Language
English
Level
A0
Unit
Basic negatives and questions
Practice types
0

What this grammar point covers

Basic negatives are built with not and helper verbs.

When to use it

Use negatives to say no, deny information, or describe absence.

Key forms

  • be + not
  • do/does + not + base verb
  • cannot / can't (modal awareness)

Examples

I am not busy.

She does not drive.

They are not at school.

We do not understand.

Tips

  • Place not after helper verbs.
  • Use contractions in natural speech: is not -> isn't, do not -> don't.
  • Do not add -s to the main verb after does not.

Exceptions and edge cases

  • With be, no do-support is needed: She is not..., not She does not be....

Keep exploring

Previous Demonstratives this, that, these, those A0 · Pronouns, articles, and reference words Next Yes/no questions with helpers A0 · Basic negatives and questions