Grammar: Negative Sentences
A1 Lesson 4: Using 'am not', 'isn't', & 'aren't'
The Golden Rule: Add 'not'
A negative sentence says that something is not true. To change a positive sentence with the verb 'to be' (am, is, are) into a negative one, we use one magic word: not. You simply add not after the verb.
The Grammar Rule 📖
Positive to Negative
| Positive (+) | Negative (Long Form) | Negative (Contraction) |
|---|---|---|
| I am tired. | I am not tired. | I'm not tired. |
| He is a farmer. | He is not a farmer. | He isn't a farmer. |
| They are tourists. | They are not tourists. | They aren't tourists. |
Important: We do not have a common contraction for "am not". Instead, we contract the subject and verb: "I am" becomes "I'm".
In Conversation
In spoken English, we almost always use contractions.
Nita: Hi Malea! Are you busy?
Malea: Hi Nita! No, I'm not busy. Why?
Nita: Is the market open today?
Malea: No, it isn't open today. It's a holiday. The shops aren't open either.
Practice Your Grammar 🎯
Exercise: Make it Negative
Change the positive sentences into negative sentences. Use the contraction form.
- He is a doctor.
→ He isn't a doctor. - They are from Vietnam.
→ They aren't from Vietnam. - It is a durian.
→ It isn't a durian. - We are tired.
→ We aren't tired. - I am a teacher.
→ I'm not a teacher.
Your Grammar Mission ⭐
Write True Sentences
Write three true negative sentences about yourself, your family, or your town.
Example: I am not a tourist. My house is not big. My parents aren't from Phnom Penh.
Key Vocabulary
- Negative Meaning 'no'; saying that something is not true.
- True Correct or based on fact.
- Contraction A shortened form of a word or group of words (e.g., 'is not' becomes 'isn't').