Pattern: auxiliary-not-verb

Structure Overview

Formula: Subject + do/be/have/modal + not + Verb
Core Meaning: The foundational structure for negating a clause in English. "Not" must follow an auxiliary verb (or the copula "be") to negate the main verb. In spoken English, these frequently combine into contractions (don't, isn't, haven't, won't).

💬 Contextual Examples

I do not understand what you are trying to say.
They will not be attending the meeting tomorrow.

🎴 Interactive Web Practice (Click to Reveal)

Practice 1: She ______ not like eating spicy food.

Answer: does

Practice 2: We have ______ seen that movie before.

Answer: not

🔗 Knowledge Base Connections

🔑 Parent Keyword: not