Negative questions use "not" (or a contraction) in the question. They are used to express surprise, seek confirmation, make suggestions, or express that you expected a different answer. The word order and meaning can be tricky for learners.
Negative questions are formed with an auxiliary verb + "not" (contracted or full). Contracted form (more common in speech): "Isn't she coming?", "Didn't you know?" Full form (more formal): "Is she not coming?", "Did you not know?" With contracted forms, "not" attaches to the auxiliary: isn't, haven't, wasn't, didn't, can't, won't.
Practice
___ you read the instructions? They were quite clear.
Cansee how talented she is? It's obvious!
Put the words in the correct order (negative question):
Negative questions often imply the speaker expected a "yes" answer. "Didn't you get my message?" implies: I sent a message; I expected you to get it. They are also used for suggestions (especially with "Why don't…"): "Why don't we take a break?" And to confirm what you believe to be true: "Isn't that the same restaurant we visited last time?"
Practice
"Why ___ we book a table in advance? The restaurant is always busy." (suggestion)
Isn't thatthe woman we met at the conference?
Put the words in the correct order (suggestion):
Negative questions can confuse learners because the answer "yes" or "no" responds to the fact, not the form. "Didn't you eat?" — "Yes, I did." (= Yes, I ate.) "No, I didn't." (= No, I didn't eat.) This is the opposite of some languages where "yes" would mean "you're right, I didn't." In English, "yes" always confirms the positive, regardless of the question's form.
Practice
"Aren't you coming to the party?" — "___ I am! I'll be there at 8."
"Didn't she apply for the job?" — ", she did. She applied last week."
"Haven't you finished yet?" → Reply to say you have finished. Put in order: