"Not to" or "to not"?

Question

We see two uses: I told you to not do it. I told you not to do it. I was taught 2 is correct, but the widespread use of 1 makes me wonder, and I'm beginning to question it. Which one is correct?

Philip · Accepted Answer

2 is correct; I seldom hear 1.

Imantaghavi · Answer

Hi Philip,

How about "to not to do it"?

Thank you in advance,

Iman

Anne58 · Answer

I would agree with Philip. While both are correct, the first is very awkward and not often heard. Your best bet is the second one.

As for "to not to do it" that is not correct. You only need one "to" either before not or after but not both.

Zajoman · Answer

I probably should have given a specific example instead of such a simple sentence, because it's true that you seldom hear the first use in it, but in more complicated sentences, I see it everyday in written English at various forums. I suppose the rule applies in every case anyway, so my beliefs haven't been shattered and that's what I wanted to hear, really. <img class='emoticon' style='Width:19px;Height:19px;' data-delaysrc='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/2.gif' src='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/2.gif' alt='Emotion: big smile'/>

Canadian45 · Answer

The below is from a previous thread on 'not to verb' and 'to not verb'. My words are the blue ones.

-------------------

Sentence 1 splits the infinitive (to speak) with the negative word "not" so it is grammatically incorrect.

I think that the prohibition against splitting infinitives has been largely discredited. Regardless of the above, 'not to verb' and 'to not verb' are two distinct grammatical forms and can both be correct, in the right situations.

a) My goal is to not be on the 6 a.m. flight. (It is very clear what your goal is. You want to avoid the 6 a.m. flight.)

b) My goal is not to be on the 6 a.m. flight. (The meaning is not clear. Are you telling us what yout goal is or what your goal is not?)

c) My goal is not to be on the 6 a.m. flight. My goal is just to get there by 12 noon.

CalifJim · Answer

Whenever you have an infinitive (to do, to make, to see, to be), please, please, please do not put words like 'not' or 'never' in between! *to not do it; *to never see it; *to not be ready; *to never make a mistake.

* = ungrammatical

Yes, people sometimes speak and write that way, but ...

If you find yourself in a position where you think you need this awkward word order, you should probably rethink what you're trying to say and reword it.

_________

Put 'not' or 'never' in front of the infinitive: I told you not to do it.

CJ

Canadian45 · Answer

Despite the very evident logic, some people just can't admit that 'to not verb' is a legitimate and useful grammar.

CalifJim · Answer

The logic must be in the mind of the observer!

CJ

"Not to" or "to not"?

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions