not

/nɔt/

Definition

Adverb:
- Used to form a negative: "not" is used to make a verb, clause, or sentence negative. It expresses denial, refusal, or prohibition.
- Used to give the opposite meaning: "not" can be used to indicate the opposite or absence of a quality or state.

Usage

Position: "Not" typically follows an auxiliary verb (e.g., do, have, be, can, will) or a modal verb to form a negative.
- He does not (doesn't) like coffee.
- They are not (aren't) ready.
- She cannot (can't) come.
With other verbs: For verbs without an auxiliary, use "do not" (don't), "does not" (doesn't), or "did not" (didn't).
- I do not (don't) understand.
- It did not (didn't) happen.
Contractions: "Not" is often contracted with the preceding auxiliary verb (e.g., isn't, haven't, won't, shouldn't).
With other words: "Not" can be used before other words to negate them.
- He is not happy.
- That is not true.
- Not everyone agrees.

Examples

With auxiliary/modal verbs:
- You should not (shouldn't) go there alone.
- We have not (haven't) finished the report.
- I will not (won't) tell anyone.
Negating other elements:
- She chose not red, but blue.
- It's not a problem.
- Not a single person was late.

Advanced Usage

"Not" for emphasis or contrast: Often used in short replies or to correct a previous statement.
- "Are you tired?" – "Not at all."
- "I thought you liked jazz." – "Not really."
"Not" in elliptical constructions: Used to avoid repeating a verb phrase.
- "Can you help me?" – "I'm afraid not." (meaning: I'm afraid I cannot help you.)
- He said he would come, but he did not.
"Not" with "all", "every", "both": Creates a partial negative.
- Not all birds can fly. (Some birds can fly, but not all of them.)
- Not every student passed the exam.

Variants and Related Words

No (determiner, adverb, exclamation): Used to give a negative answer or to mean "not any."
- There is no milk. (determiner)
- "Are you coming?" – "No." (exclamation)
Non- (prefix): A prefix meaning "not" or "the opposite of."
- nonsense, nonfiction, nonstop

Synonyms

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

Not have (something): To lack something.
- I do not have any money.
Not be (something): To not possess a quality or identity.
- This is not my book.

Related Idioms

Not at all: Used to emphasize a negative or as a polite response to thanks.
- "Thank you for your help." – "Not at all."
Not in the least: Not at all; not even a little.
- I was not in the least surprised.
Not to mention: Used to introduce an additional point that emphasizes the main point.
- The hotel was beautiful, not to mention the excellent service.
As likely as not: Probably.
- As likely as not, it will rain tomorrow.
Not that: Used to deny or downplay a possible reason or idea.
- I'll help you, not that you need it.

Adverb

Khám phá thêm

Các từ liên quan

Từ đồng nghĩa

Từ gần giống

Từ chứa "not"

Từ có nhắc đến "not"