No= not a?

Question

Hello, teachers.What is the difference between the sentences below?1# I’m not a book writer.2# I'm no book writer.Kindly explain.Many thanks.

Dokterjokkebrok · Accepted Answer

Hi,

norwolfHello, teachers.

What is the difference between the sentences below?

#1 I’m not a book writer.

#2 I'm no book writer.

Kindly explain.

Many thanks.

#1 = I am not someone who writes books
#2 = I am not someone who writes books. In fact, I'm quite the opposite and I've probably never even touched a book in my life, let alone written one.

#2 is mainly used to tell somebody that you're the opposite of something.

e.g. He's no friend. --> (means: He's my enemy)
He's no hero --> (means: He's a coward)

#1 is just a basic negation. You're are not someone who writes books, and, therefore, you're probably something else. 'Not' does not provide any other information other than that it negates the statement. You're not a book writer, period.

Kind regards,

Dokterjokkebrok

Anonymous · Answer

Hello, Norwolf.

(1) He is not/isn't a doctor. = He is a carpenter/ teacher/ mail carrier, etc.

(2) MONA: I'm not feeling well.

TOM: Why don't you go to Dr. ____.

MONA: No way!

TOM: Why not?

MONA: He is no doctor!!! = He is a very incompetent doctor who doesn't know what he is doing.

Thank you.

Norwolf · Answer

Great!

I see the key.

Thank you a lot.

No= not a?

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions