Sentences are of many types. Each type of sentence has its own purpose and usage. Sentences help us give meaning to the words we use and life to our thoughts. With better sentence formations, one becomes a better writer.
So, sentences can be of any type. However, the two common classifications of sentences that are primary to the basic concept are positive sentence and negative sentence. Today, we will discuss negative sentences and learn what this type of sentence conveys.
Negative sentences are simply sentences that state something that someone is not. But it is important to learn the basics and their usage thoroughly. So let’s get right into it.
What are negative sentences?
Negative sentences are not necessarily something that is evil. In English grammar, negative sentences are those types of sentences that convey something that is believed to be untrue or false by the speaker or writer. It is completely the opposite of a positive sentence.
In simple words, negative sentences are those that indicate what is not. It emphasizes the fact that something or someone is the opposite of what others think. This does not mean the statement has to be actually false. It can be the other way around, but it is just what the speaker believes. One basic point of negative sentences is that they are used with not. They portray something not being something else.
Let us understand with some examples;
- He was not playing with animals.
- I am not a player.
- She is not the best student in our class.
- They are not coming tonight.
- She did not complete her homework.
Difference between negative sentence and positive sentence
It is very easy to distinguish between a negative and a positive sentence. A positive sentence is used when one states something that is believed to be true. It indicates what is. On the other hand, negative sentences are those that state what is false. They convey what is not.
And the basic way of recognizing and differentiating them is by words like ”no” and ”not”. Positive sentences will never have those.
For example;
- I am a good dancer. Positive
- I am not a good dancer. Negative
From negative to positive;
- She is not a basketball player. Negative
- She is a basketball player. Positive
Usage of negative sentences
So we learned the definition of negative sentences. They are a type that indicates what someone or something is not.
Now, negative sentences can be used anywhere. As long as they refer to something false believed by the speaker or writer, they stand correct. However, it is not just the word ”not”. Negative sentences are formed with helping verbs which are forms of “to be”. And that accompanies the word “not”. Such as was, am, is, are, etc.
Other words like will, do, etc., are also applicable. And in that case, their contractions are very commonly used.
For example;
- He doesn’t need to work so hard.
- They won’t be playing.
- I wasn’t ready for the test.
- They aren’t coming to the party.
So, these are some points that will help make negative sentences clear and easy to learn.
