Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[someday]

When isn�t it a good time?
When is it not a good time?�
Can�t you wait? / Can you not wait?

Both contracted and incontracted forms of the negative (not) in negative questions seem correct grammatically, and it seems just a matter of formality. But some questions that still remain in my mind are

1. When or how often (if ever) do native speakers of English use uncontracted forms of �not� in negative questions? To me, uncontracted forms sound too formal like Old English such as �Am I not?�

2. To me, uncontracted forms of the negative (not) in negative questions sound like more �emphasizing.� Is there any difference with regard to meaning between the two forms?

3. In academic or college writing, would you contract the negative (not) in negative questions?

Thank you so much in advance!!!

[CP]

1. I don't know the percentages, but my sense is that contracted forms of not are more common than uncontracted in speech generally. For negative questions specifically, I think it's also true that mostly we use the contracted form.

2. There isn't any difference in meaning, but as with anything, if it is said in an unusual way, it may be for emphasis. "Why don't you want to go with us?" is not quite as firm or suspicious (etc.) as "Why do you not want to go with us?", as just one example.

3. The best rule to follow in formal, important, or academic writing is not to use contractions unless quoting someone. If there is a special purpose for using the contracted form, okay, but otherwise, do not!
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