Changing Positive Sentences to Negative Ones Using "Not"

In English, we can turn positive sentences into negative ones by using the word "not." This skill helps you in everyday conversations. Let's look at some simple rules and examples to see how this works.

1. Basic Sentence Structure

A basic positive sentence usually has this format: subject + verb + object. For example:

• Positive Sentence: She likes ice cream.

How to Make it Negative:

To change a sentence to negative, put "not" after the helper verb (if there is one). If there's no helper verb, you need to use the verb "to do" in the right form.

• Negative Sentence: She does not like ice cream.

2. Adding "Not"

Using "Not" with Helper Verbs

If a sentence has a helper verb, just add "not" right after it.

• Example:
  • Positive: They are happy.
  • Negative: They are not happy.

Using "Not" with Main Verbs

If there’s no helper verb in the sentence, use "do/does" + "not" before the main verb:

• Example:
  • Positive: He plays football.
  • Negative: He does not play football.

3. Quick Rules to Remember

• Add "not" after helper verbs (like is, are, was, were).
• Use "do not" or "does not" to make main verbs negative when there’s no helper.

4. More Examples to Help You Practice

Here are some extra examples:

• Positive: She runs every morning.
  Negative: She does not run every morning.

• Positive: They will join us for dinner.
  Negative: They will not join us for dinner.

• Positive: He can swim across the lake.
  Negative: He cannot swim across the lake.

Conclusion

Knowing how to change positive sentences into negative ones using "not" is a key part of learning English. Practice these rules and examples often to get better at the language!