If you don't work as the grasshopper doesn't/does, you'll die of hunger

Question

In the ant and the grasshopper story, the grasshopper does not work. I would like to know which is correct below, doesn't or does? The confusion I have is because of the adverb "as".
"If you don't work as the grasshopper doesn't/does, you'll die of hunger"

What I am trying to say is this:
"If you don't work as the grasshopper, you'll die of hunger"

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

EnglishSmithThe confusion I have is because of the adverb "as".

Your confusion is understandable. With negatives, or with a contrast between affirmatives and negatives, "as" can be very problematic and ineffective.

EnglishSmithIf you don't work as the grasshopper doesn't/does, you'll die of hunger

Therefore, neither "does" nor "doesn't" is possible here. In my opinion, as the sentence stands, there is no solution to the problem using "as". The sentence must be constructed differently, most probably without a negative in the first clause, though another word with an implicit negative connotation might be possible:

If you shirk your responsibilities to work, as the grasshopper does, you'll die of hunger.
If you neglect your duty to work, as the grasshopper does, you'll die of hunger.

Also, solving the problem differently,

The grasshopper does not work. If you act the same way, you'll die of hunger.

I don't think there is any solution that includes as the grasshopper doesn't.

CJ

EnglishSmith · Answer

I'm surprised, thank you very much CJ. I've been enjoying reading your answers for a long time.

CalifJim · Answer

EnglishSmithI'm surprised, thank you very much CJ. I've been enjoying reading your answers for a long time.

Thank you. It's kind of you to say so.

CJ

If you don't work as the grasshopper doesn't/does, you'll die of hunger

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