This basic English lesson teaches you the difference between the two most commonly used negative expressions ‘no’ and ‘not’. Both these expressions are used to make a negative sentence, but there is a difference in their usage. In this English speaking practice lesson, you will learn the 4 major differences between these commonly used English words.
Finished watching the lesson, now it’s time test your understanding of this English lesson. Take the quiz below.
Using No:
For an answer to a closed-ended question (yes/no)
- Example: Are you going out? Answer: No.
Precedes a noun without an article
- Example: The company had no rivals. (rival is a noun without an article before it)
It cannot make a verb negative
- Example: I do no have a pen. ( this is incorrect)
- Example: I am no going out. (it is incorrect)
It cannot be used before a possessive adjective
- Example: These are no my books. (use ‘not’)
Using Not:
It cannot be used to an answer to a closed-ended question. (yes/no)
- Example: Are you going out? Answer: Not (this is incorrect. Use ‘no’)
Precedes a noun with an article
- Example: The virus is not the cause of the disease.
It can make a verb negative
- Example: I do not have a pen. I am not going out.
It is used before a possessive adjective.
- Example: These are not my socks.
Let’s take a look at how we can use ‘no’ and ‘not’ in similar sentences.
- Example: I have got no money
- Example: I have not got any money.
Both the above sentences mean the same.