NOT definition: 1. used to form a negative phrase after verbs like "be", "can", "have", "will", "must", etc…. Learn more.

The meaning of NOT is —used as a function word to make negative a group of words or a word. How to use not in a sentence.

NOT definition: (used to express negation, denial, refusal, or prohibition). See examples of not used in a sentence.

You use not, usually in the form n't, in questions which imply that someone should have done something, or to express surprise that something is not the case. Why didn't you do it months ago? …

In conversation, when not is used after be, have, do, or a modal, it is not usually pronounced in full. When you write down what someone says, you usually represent not as n't and add it to the verb in …

(used before a singular count noun) not even one (expressing emphasis about the lack of something):[~ + a/one + noun] He had not a penny to his name. Not a single missile got through the defense system.

'Not' is a commonly used negative marker and pro-sentence in the English language. In this lesson, we will discuss how to learn and use it.

May 12, 2026 · In this case not cannot appear after the verb; some authorities recommend placing it before to to avoid a split infinitive, but for most speakers the forms not to do and to not do are more …

Sep 25, 2023 · Do you make mistakes with “don’t”, “no”, “not” and “didn’t”? You are not alone. Many English learners confuse these negatives.

They gave us the option of not attending. She told me not to do it. You are not to go there without permission.