Again or Not again?
#1
A: I am sorry that I forgot about it.
B: Not again!
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#2
A: I am sorry that I forgot about it.
B: Again?
What is the difference between 'not again' and 'again'? Can I use either of them for the same question?
In my mother tongue, they are interpreted as the same, so I am confused now.
What do you native English speakers think? Thank you so much as usual.
Top answer
Either of those are OK in response to the first speaker, and the mean about the same thing. " Neither one is meant to convey any information except that the person who says them is frustrated that the same thing has happened again. CJ
- Either of those are OK in response to the first speaker, and the mean about the same thing.
- " Neither one is meant to convey any information except that the person who says them is frustrated that the same thing has happened again.
- CJ
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Either of those are OK in response to the first speaker, and the mean about the same thing.
"Not again!" is like saying "Please don't tell me that again!"
"Again?" is like saying "Are you telling me that you've done that again?"
Neither one is meant to convey any information except that the person who says them is frustrated that the same thing has happened again.
CJ
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