Action Verbs: The Helpers
Action verbs (play, eat, sleep) are weak in the negative. They need help! We use do not (don't) or does not (doesn't).
The Formula
I / You / We / They
I don't like onions.
He / She / It
He doesn't like onions.
The "S" Trap
When you use doesn't, the helper steals the -s from the main verb. The main verb must be naked (base form)!
Verb "To Be": The Rebel
The verb To Be (am, is, are) is strong. It does NOT need "don't" or "doesn't". Just add not after it.
Forbidden Phrases
Never mix "don't" with "be"!
- I don't be happy.
- She doesn't is here.
Advanced: "Never"
The Rule of "Never"
We can use never to make a sentence negative. But remember: Never is already negative, so we do NOT use "don't/doesn't" with it.
Important: If you use "never" with he/she/it, you keep the -s on the verb!
He never eats meat.
He doesn't never eat meat.
Math Logic
Two negatives make a positive in English!
"I don't know nothing"
means
"I know something"
Negation Quiz
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