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* This is the first-person form of the verb to be in negative questions in British English.
b) invitations.
Won’t you come in and have a cup of tea?
In answer to negative questions yes and no are used according to the facts and not according to the form of
the question.
Haven’t you seen the film? - Yes (I have seen it). Or: No (I haven’t seen it).
Isn’t it raining? - Yes (it is raining). Or: No (it isn’t raining).
Compare with the Russian:
Дождь не идет?
- Нет, идет.
- Да, не идет.
In imperative sentences not follows the do-auxiliary.
Do not speak so loudly.
Don’t worry.
The same is used for the negative imperative with the verb to be.
Don’t be so rude.
Don’t be lazy.
§ 25.
Not can be attached to other parts of the sentence, not only the predicate verb. In this case it comes
before the word or phrase it negates.
It’s here, not upstairs.
It’s a tiger, not a cat.
The operation was quick, but not carefully planned.
The question is important and not easy to answer.
Negative infinitives are made by putting not or never before the infinitive (and before the paricle to if there
is one). Negative ing-forms are made in the same way.
It was impossible not to invite the Butlers.
He left never to return.
He was desperate at not having seen her.
§ 26. In short answers or orders with the verbs of mental activity think, believe, hope, suppose, be afraid and
after the conjunction if the negator not may replace the sentence or clause it negates.
Will it rain today? - I hope not.
Can you come today? – I’m afraid not.
Drop that gun! If not, you’ll be sorry.
§ 27. After the verbs of mental activity think, believe, suppose and imagine the negation which belongs to
the object clause is transferred to the principal clause. This is called transferred negation.
I don’t think you've heard about it (= I think you haven’t heard about it).
I don’t believe he has come (= I believe he hasn’t come).
I don’t suppose any one will learn about it (= I suppose no one will learn about it).