How do you know where to put ‘not’ in a statement in English?
Even native speakers get confused about this sometimes.
Listen in as Lindsay and Aubrey share top grammar tips in today’s episode.
What haven’t you done lately?
Aubrey asks Lindsay what she hasn’t done lately that she would like to do.
Lindsay shares that she’d like to go to the mountains.
It’s been a while since she’s been.
She looks forward to doing that on the weekend.
Aubrey would like one free afternoon to take a nap.
Today’s episode is going to talk about where to put the word ‘not’ when talking.
Today’s episode is inspired by a listener’s question.
Today’s question
How are you? First, magnificent episode 2286 on ‘The Bickersons’ 🙂
I’ve a question for you.
Do I say “You need to listen to AEE in order not to miss great English tips!” or “You need to listen to AEE in order to not miss great English tips!”?
Thank you!
Mauro
How to use “not”
It can be difficult to use the word ‘not’ correctly when negating something or sharing something hasn’t been done.
Aubrey asks Lindsay which one she thinks sounds correct?
- “You need to listen to AEE in order not to miss great English tips!”
- “You need to listen to AEE in order to not miss great English tips!”
Lindsay says the latter sounds correct.
Aubrey says it can be tricky because both might sound natural.
Grammar tips for ‘not’
Aubrey says that there are two grammar issues with the sentences Mauro shared in his question.
These are splitting subordinating conjunctions and splitting infinitives.
Neither are incorrect grammar but many people will have a preference.
Lindsay and Aubrey share some grammar tips so you can be guided on how to use this structure properly.
#1: Subordinating conjunctions
‘In order to’ is a subordinating conjunction.
In this structure, when these have more than one word, they’re a chunk that needs to be kept together.
We use ‘in order to’ with an infinitive form of a verb to express the purpose of something.
Examples:
- In order to finish in time, we need to meet this week.
- In order to not finish late, we need to meet this week.
Similar subordinating conjunctions are: ‘as long as’, ‘whether or not’, ‘even though.’
We also wouldn’t split it with adverbs.
Examples:
- Correct: We already made plans in order to get everything scheduled early.
- Incorrect: We made plans in order already to get everything scheduled early.
#2: Splitting infinitives
It is absolutely fine to split infinitives.
It is still grammatically correct to do so and a lot of native English speakers do it all the time.
The normal form of a negative infinitive is “not to (insert verb)”, in all contexts.
Example:
- Try not to miss any episodes of the podcast!
The form “to not (verb)” is still grammatically correct.
This is used in this structure to convey a special meaning or emphasis.
Example:
- Try to not miss any episodes of the podcast!
Roleplay
Here is a quick roleplay from Lindsay and Aubrey using the grammar tips shared in today’s episode.
This will be helpful for you to understand how to apply these in your conversations.
In this scenario, Lindsay and Aubrey are at a state fair.
Lindsay: I want to try all of these rides!
Aubrey: I actually need to avoid the Zipper if I want to not get sick. (to not X – used for emphasis)
Lindsay: No worries! I’ll try not to be too sad about missing that one. (not to X – normal form for negative infinitive)
Aubrey: I have to leave at 9. In order to not run out of time we should jump in one of these lines right away. (in order to – keep together as a chunk)
Lindsay: Sounds good!
Takeaway
Negatives can be tricky in English!
Knowing when to use “not” can even trip up native speakers.
Today’s tips will help you know how to use “not” to emphasize.
You can also check out other All Ears English episodes to master English grammar.
You can listen to AEE 2300: It’s Time You Mastered This English Grammar and get grammar tips to talk about time.
What are other grammar rules that you find confusing or trip you up every time?
Share one in the comments below.
