Language
English
Level
A2
Unit
Word order and sentence structure
Practice types
0

What this grammar point covers

Basic negative sentences in English are sentences that say something is not true. You use special words to make a sentence negative.

When to use it

Use negative sentences to say that something does not happen, is not true, or is not happening.

Key forms

  • Subject + do/does + not + base verb (for most verbs)
  • Subject + am/is/are + not (for 'be')

Examples

I do not like coffee.

She does not play tennis.

We are not tired.

He is not at home.

Tips

  • Use 'do not' (don't) or 'does not' (doesn't) for most verbs.
  • Use 'am not', 'is not', or 'are not' with the verb 'be'.
  • Do not add 's' to the main verb after 'does not'.

Exceptions and edge cases

  • With the verb 'be', do not use 'do/does'. Say 'I am not', 'he is not', 'they are not'.

Keep exploring

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