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Shanks8532 Posted 16 years ago
Grammar
"not to" and "to not"
Hello.
I'm utterly confused with the usage of "not to" and "to not".
For example,
I 'll try my best not to have the same problem.
I'll try my best to not have the same problem.
Are they different each other?
I would be more than happy if someone could give the answer and 1 sample sentence each using them.
Regards
I'm utterly confused with the usage of "not to" and "to not".
For example,
I 'll try my best not to have the same problem.
I'll try my best to not have the same problem.
Are they different each other?
I would be more than happy if someone could give the answer and 1 sample sentence each using them.
Regards
Top answer
There are many cases where a modifier splits an infinitive without changing the meaning. To me, the only difference in your two examples is that the split version seems to place more stress on the negative. Next time, try not to color outside the lines.
- There are many cases where a modifier splits an infinitive without changing the meaning.
- To me, the only difference in your two examples is that the split version seems to place more stress on the negative.
- Next time, try not to color outside the lines.
- Next time, try to not color outside the lines.
- )
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4 Answers
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There are many cases where a modifier splits an infinitive without changing the meaning.
To me, the only difference in your two examples is that the split version seems to place more stress on the negative.
Next time, try not to color outside the lines.
Next time, try to not color outside the lines. (Same meaning; more emphatic.)
To me, the only difference in your two examples is that the split version seems to place more stress on the negative.
Next time, try not to color outside the lines.
Next time, try to not color outside the lines. (Same meaning; more emphatic.)
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The members of this forum are very divided on this issue. I am one who does not accept the splitting of an infinitive with "not". For me, there is no "to not". It is always "not to". I accept only your first version.
CJ
CJ
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Thank you very much for your stand, very interesting to know how it sounds by changing the position of "not".
For me it sounds the same but only natives can recognise, can't they?
English is so fun!
For me it sounds the same but only natives can recognise, can't they?
English is so fun!
00
Thank you very much for your answer too!
I didn't know there are divided opinions among native speakers. English is living, isn't it?
I learnt only "not to" only in Japan but I heard someone saying "to not" in UK. So this was enigma
to me for a long time.
English is fun!!!!!!
I didn't know there are divided opinions among native speakers. English is living, isn't it?
I learnt only "not to" only in Japan but I heard someone saying "to not" in UK. So this was enigma
to me for a long time.
English is fun!!!!!!
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