Negative Questions

Form

A negative question carries the negative inside the question itself, usually as a contraction on the auxiliary.

The pattern is auxiliary plus n't, then the subject, then the main verb (Didn't you read the instructions? / Haven't you been to Paris before?). The full form, with not after the subject, sounds formal or pointed (Can you not see how talented she is?). Answer one by the facts, not by the negative: if you do like coffee, the answer to “Don't you like coffee?” is yes, I do.

When to Use It

1. 1

   Show surprise that something has not happened

   Haven't you finished yet?

2. 2

   Confirm something you believe is true

   Isn't that the woman we met at the conference?

3. 3

   Make a friendly suggestion with why don't

   Why don't we reschedule the meeting?

4. 4

   Soften advice into a question with wouldn't or shouldn't

   Wouldn't it be better to ask the client first?

5. 5

   Remind someone of something you both agreed

   Didn't we agree on 10 a.m.?

Common Mistakes

• Answering the form instead of the fact: say Yes, I do, not No, I do — if you do like coffee, the answer to “Don't you like coffee?” is yes.
• Not before the subject: write Did you not get my message?, not Did not you get my message? — in the full form, not follows the subject.
• Why not for a suggestion with a subject: write Why don't we order dessert?, not Why not we order dessert? — why don't is the fixed pattern once you name who.
• No inversion: write Aren't you ready?, not Not you are ready? — the auxiliary and the subject still change places.
• The wrong auxiliary: write Doesn't he work in the Chicago office?, not Isn't he work in the Chicago office? — the auxiliary has to match the tense of the main verb.