Negative Questions
Questions with negative forms for surprise, confirmation, or persuasion
When to Use Negative Questions
- •Expressing surprise: Don't you like chocolate? (I expected you would)
- •Seeking confirmation: Isn't she coming to the party?
- •Making suggestions: Wouldn't it be better to wait?
- •Showing disbelief: Can't you see I'm busy?
- •Persuading: Won't you stay a little longer?
How to Form Negative Questions
Affirmative (+)
Negative auxiliary + subject + main verb?
Negative (-)
N/A (the question itself is negative)
Question (?)
Don't/Doesn't/Didn't/Isn't/Aren't/Won't/Can't + subject + verb?
💡 Contracted forms (don't, isn't) are standard. Uncontracted (do not, is not) are very formal.
Examples of Negative Questions
✓Don't you want to come with us?
✗Do not you want to come with us?
Use contracted form in questions (don't, not 'do not').
✓Isn't this the right address?
✗Is not this the right address?
Contracted negative comes before the subject.
✓Haven't you finished yet?
✗Have not you finished yet?
Use haven't, not 'have not' in questions.
Common Mistakes with Negative Questions
💡 Practice Tips for Negative Questions
- • Negative questions often expect 'yes' as an answer
- • Show surprise: Don't you know? (I thought you knew)
- • Answering: 'Yes' = positive, 'No' = negative (regardless of question form)
- • Persuasion: Won't you...? / Wouldn't you...?
- • Criticism: Can't you see...? / Don't you realize...?
Quick Quiz
Grammar sorted. Now grow your vocabulary.