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Ye Wint Aung Posted 15 years ago
Grammar
Usage of 'did not' and 'didn't'
Please explain difference between 'did not' and 'didn't'.
I know both are the same but I would like to know different usages with examples.
E.g.,
He did not know a thing.
He didn't know a thing.
Which one is the most reasonable usage?
I know both are the same but I would like to know different usages with examples.
E.g.,
He did not know a thing.
He didn't know a thing.
Which one is the most reasonable usage?
Top answer
People generally say "didn't" in conversation and informal writing. "Did not" is more formal and/or more emphatic -- use it when you are actually denying something, rather than just reporting. I didn't go to work today.
- People generally say "didn't" in conversation and informal writing.
- "Did not" is more formal and/or more emphatic -- use it when you are actually denying something, rather than just reporting.
- I didn't go to work today.
- I didn't know you were in town.
- I didn't like that movie.
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1 Answers
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People generally say "didn't" in conversation and informal writing. "Did not" is more formal and/or more emphatic -- use it when you are actually denying something, rather than just reporting.
I didn't go to work today. I didn't know you were in town. I didn't like that movie.
Yes, I argued with my wife and threatened her, but I did not kill her!
Edited to add: Welco
I didn't go to work today. I didn't know you were in town. I didn't like that movie.
Yes, I argued with my wife and threatened her, but I did not kill her!
Edited to add: Welco
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