‘Not’ is one of the most common words in English. We use it to make negative sentences.
- We are friends. (Affirmative)
- We are not friends. (Negative)
- I know the answer. (Affirmative)
- I do not know the answer. (Negative)
Not even
Not even is used to talk about negative extremes.
- She cannot even write her name.
- The boy does not even remember his name.
The expression ‘or not’ is often used to avoid the repetition of something in the negative.
- Will you listen to me or not?
- Are you coming with me or not?
Hope not / suppose not
- ‘Are they going to find out?’ ‘I hope not.’
‘Not’ is also used in Yes/No questions when you expect the answer to be ‘Yes’.
- Did you not receive my message?
- She is a lovely girl, isn’t she?
Not at all
This expression is used to emphasize a negative statement.
- I was not all amused by his antics.
- My parents were not at all impressed with my test results.
‘Not at all’ is sometimes used in polite replies to someone who has thanked you.
‘Thank you so much for your help.’ ‘Not at all.’
Not only…but also
This is a correlative conjunction that means the same as ‘as well as’.
- She is not only beautiful but also intelligent. (= She is beautiful as well as intelligent.)