Negation: Using 'not' with different verbs

English verbs are split into two main groups.

The first group is the verb to be.

This verb is very strong and independent.

It does not need any help from others.

The second group is every other action verb.

Think of verbs like eat, sleep, or work.

These verbs are a bit shy.

They need the helping verb do or does.

Without this helper, the sentence falls apart.

It is like trying to eat soup with a fork.

It just does not work well.

1. 1There are three main ways to form a negative.
2. 2Using the verb be:
3. 3Subject + am/is/are + not + extra info.
4. 4Example: I am not hungry.
5. 5Using action verbs (The do support):
6. 6Subject + do/does + not + base verb.
7. 7Example: She does not like pizza.
8. 8Note: The main verb loses its s here.
9. 9Using modal verbs (like can):
10. 10Subject + can + not + base verb.
11. 11Example: I cannot swim.

You will use this constantly in real life.

Imagine you are at a restaurant.

You say, I do not want onions.

Or you are at a job interview.

You say, I am not afraid of challenges.

Maybe you are asking for directions.

Someone says, The station is not far.

It helps you set boundaries and give facts.

It is the key to clear communication.

Even native speakers keep it simple.

Do not use not alone with action verbs.

Saying I not like sounds very broken.

It is a common mistake for new learners.

Also, avoid using not with no.

This is called a double negative.

I do not have no money is technically wrong.

It sounds very confusing to most people.

Keep your negatives single and clean.

Think of it as one "no" per idea.

Many people forget the helping verb do.

They say, He not go to work.

This is the most common error at A1.

Always remember: No do, no not (for actions).

Another mistake is keeping the s on verbs.

People say, She does not likes apple.

When does arrives, the s on likes leaves.

Think of does as a thief who steals the s.

Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes!

Compare not with the word no.

We use no before nouns to show zero.

Example: I have no time.

We use not to make a verb negative.

Example: I do not have time.

Both mean the same thing in the end.

But the grammar structure is very different.

Not is the engine of the negative sentence.

No is just a simple label for a noun.