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TimKitsch Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Modifying nuances (reposted under my username)

What, specifically, is the difference between:

1) Matt Saracen is certainly not “just this guy in Chicago.”

and if were:

2) Matt Saracen certainly IS NOT “just this guy in Chicago.”

Clearly the difference is quite minor. I understand that. But is the difference merely that in the first sentence "certainly" modifies the word "not", whereas in the second "is" modifies "not".
  

Top answer

In 1) NOT is a negative particle to IS , so CERTAINLY is a modifier to IS . In 2) IS is not a modifier to NOT , as IS is a notional verb and NOT is just a negative particle. I've heared people use both, but not quite sure as to what the difference is.

— Anonymous

  • In 1) NOT is a negative particle to IS , so CERTAINLY is a modifier to IS .
  • In 2) IS is not a modifier to NOT , as IS is a notional verb and NOT is just a negative particle.
  • I've heared people use both, but not quite sure as to what the difference is.
  • Perhaps in 2) you are more sure about Matt Saracen's peculiarity.
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1 Answers
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In 1) NOT is a negative particle to IS, so CERTAINLY is a modifier to IS.

In 2) IS is not a modifier to NOT, as IS is a notional verb and NOT is just a negative particle.

I've heared people use both, but not quite sure as to what the difference is. Perhaps in 2) you are more sure about Matt Saracen's peculiarity.
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