Negative Inversion

Question

I am not sure whether 2 or 3 is correctNot only …………………organic food, but I am forced to wait in long line at the supermarket.          1) I cannot buy                                       2) cannot I buy                    3) can I not buy                                      4) buy I cannot

David Hatton · Accepted Answer

3

Also, 'a long line...'

CalifJim · Answer

Anintita
I am not sure whether 2 or 3 is correct
Not only …………………organic food, but I am forced to wait in long line at the supermarket.
1) I cannot buy 2) cannot I buy
3) can I not buy 4) buy I cannot

You need the inversion of 'I cannot'.

You can move 'can' before 'I': can I not.
But you cannot move 'not'.

However, if you form the contraction 'I can't', you can move 'can't' before 'I': can't I.

The general rule goes like this:

Contractions ending in n't can be moved before a subject, but the separate word not cannot be moved before a subject.

I would not > would I not OR wouldn't I (but not would not I).
the people have not > have the people not OR haven't the people (but not have not the people

CJ

Negative Inversion

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