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KMagic Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

[Question] - Which sentence is correct?

Could anyone tell me which sentence is correct:
[1] - Why was he not helped?
[2] - Why wasn't he helped?

I mean when we ask a negative question, should we put "not" before or after the subject?
  

Top answer

Both are correct. KMagic I mean when we ask a negative question, should we put "not" before or after the subject? Always after if you don’t contract.

— RandomGuy

  • Both are correct.
  • KMagic I mean when we ask a negative question, should we put "not" before or after the subject?
  • Always after if you don’t contract.
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3 Answers
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Both are correct.
KMagicI mean when we ask a negative question, should we put "not" before or after the subject?
Always after if you don’t contract.
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Both forms are correct. To me, it is a matter of preference and style.
Why was he not punished for stealing from the store?
Why wasn't he punished for stealing from the store?

Take your pick.
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KMagicI mean when we ask a negative question, should we put "not" before or after the subject?
not can't jump across the subject by itself, so it stays after the subject.

But if you change not to n't and attach it to a verb, it can sneak across the subject in this disguised form.
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