The meaning of NOT is —used as a function word to make negative a group of words or a word. How to use not in a sentence.

NOT definition: 1. used to form a negative phrase after verbs like "be", "can", "have", "will", "must", etc…. Learn more.

NOT definition: (used to express negation, denial, refusal, or prohibition). See examples of not used in a sentence.

In conversation, when not is used after be, have, do, or a modal, it is not usually pronounced in full. When you write down what someone says, you usually represent not as n't and add it to the verb in …

(used with verbs like[be, have,]and[do,]and with modal verbs, to express the opposite of the main verb, and also to express denial, refusal, prohibiting, etc.: I do not remember the answer. You must not …

Feb 10, 2026 · In this case not cannot appear after the verb; some authorities recommend placing it before to to avoid a split infinitive, but for most speakers the forms not to do and to not do are more …

Not is a powerful word. When Hamlet says "to be or not to be," he is questioning whether he should live or die, the inverse of living. Just be careful of what's called a "double negative," where you use not …

Definition of not adverb in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

You use not, usually in the form n't, in questions which imply that someone should have done something, or to express surprise that something is not the case. Why didn't you do it months ago? …

Not is a term used to indicate the opposite or negation of something. It is a word used to express the absence, rejection, or denial of a particular concept, action, or state.