Understanding Negative Questions with "Not"

In English, negative questions are important for talking with others.

Today, we'll learn how to ask negative questions using the word "not."

This guide is perfect for Year 1 students in a Swedish gymnasium who are learning basic conversation skills.

What Are Negative Questions?

Negative questions are questions that use a word that means “no.” These questions can sound more polite or are used when we want to make sure of something.

Some common words used in negative questions are "not," "never," and "no." For this lesson, we'll focus on the word "not."

Basic Structure

To make a negative question using "not," you need to follow this simple structure:

1. Auxiliary Verb (like is, are, do, does, have)
2. Subject (who or what the question is about)
3. Main Verb (if you need it)
4. Not
5. Question Mark (?)

Rules for Forming Negative Questions

1. Use Auxiliary Verbs: We often use helper verbs, called auxiliary verbs, when making negative questions. Examples include is, are, do, does, and have.

2. Position of "Not": In negative questions, place "not" after the auxiliary verb and before the subject.

Examples

Let’s check out some examples:

1. Using "are":

   • Positive: "Are you happy?"
   • Negative: "Aren't you happy?"

2. Using "is":

   • Positive: "Is she coming?"
   • Negative: "Isn't she coming?"

3. Using "do":

   • Positive: "Do they like chocolate?"
   • Negative: "Don't they like chocolate?"

4. Using "have":

   • Positive: "Have you finished your homework?"
   • Negative: "Haven't you finished your homework?"

Vocabulary

• Auxiliary Verb: A helper verb (like is, are, do, have).
• Subject: The person or thing the sentence talks about (like you, she, they).
• Negative: A word that shows denial or disagreement (like not).

Practice

Now it's your turn! Try changing these sentences into negative questions:

1. "You like coffee." → "Don't you like coffee?"
2. "She plays soccer." → "Doesn't she play soccer?"
3. "They are here." → "Aren't they here?"

Conclusion

Negative questions that use "not" can help you improve your English speaking skills.

Just remember to use the right auxiliary verbs and place "not" in the correct spot.

With practice, you'll feel more comfortable asking negative questions in your conversations! Keep practicing, and don't be afraid to ask questions if you're unsure!