0
Hanuman_2000 Posted 21 years ago
Grammar

interrogative sentence

Hello,

1. How long has it not been raining?

2. How long has not it been raining?

I want to know correct position of not in the above given sentences?

Which one is correct?

Thanks.
  

Top answer

In a question form, only one word (from the statement form) can be moved to a position before the subject. This is almost always a verb, but it may be a verb with a contracted negative "n't" attached. When spelled out as "not", "not" counts as a second word and is not placed before the subject.

— CalifJim

  • In a question form, only one word (from the statement form) can be moved to a position before the subject.
  • This is almost always a verb, but it may be a verb with a contracted negative "n't" attached.
  • When spelled out as "not", "not" counts as a second word and is not placed before the subject.
  • First alternative: It hasn't been raining for very long.
  • "It" is the subject.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

2 Answers
0
In a question form, only one word (from the statement form) can be moved to a position before the subject. This is almost always a verb, but it may be a verb with a contracted negative "n't" attached. When spelled out as "not", "not" counts as a second word and is not placed before the subject.

First alternative:
It hasn't been raining for very long.
"It" is the subje
0
0
That said, it is very unusual to ask how long something has not been happening.
CJ
0

Related Questions