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Anonymous Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

Heed not?

Hi. I believe the phrase "fear not" means something like "don't fear." Now, could we use this "verb+not" pattern for others, too? Would these be correct, eventhough they may sound old-fashioned?
Thank you in advance for your help.

Heed not, for they are foolish words.
Forsake not, for they are precious to all.
  

Top answer

Fear not works because it's a fixed expression. The others sound very odd. Heed them not / Forsake them not would be better, though they do indeed sound old-fashioned.

— Blue Jay

  • Fear not works because it's a fixed expression.
  • The others sound very odd.
  • Heed them not / Forsake them not would be better, though they do indeed sound old-fashioned.
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2 Answers
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Fear not works because it's a fixed expression. The others sound very odd. Heed them not/Forsake them not would be better, though they do indeed sound old-fashioned.
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AnonymousI believe the phrase "fear not" means something like "don't fear." Now, could we use this "verb+not" pattern for others, too? Would these be correct, eventhough they may sound old-fashioned?Thank you in advance for your help.
They are too old-fashioned to use in anything but poetry and historical novels.
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