Difference between NO and NOT
NO =
- Does not use an article AFTER the word “no” (a, the, this, these, those).
- Does NOT go with a possessive pronoun (my, your, his, her, our, their).
- Used before a noun.
- NOT used in an imperative statement.
- Can answer a Yes/ No question alone.
- She is no scholar, but she loves to debate everyone.
- Currently, there is no money for the project.
- Brad made no attempt cover up the truth.
- Did you steal money from our bank? NO! It wasn’t me, I swear!
NOT =
- Can go before a possessive pronoun (my, your, his, her, our, their).
- Used before a noun with an article, or an adjective.
- Can be used before a verb in an imperative statement.
- Used to verify an objects being.
- These are not my socks, Mom.
- The man realized he was not in the right place at the right time.
- Could you not pick your nose in front of me?
- Is this your homework? [No, isn’t (is NOT)]!
- Did you steal money from our bank? [It wasn’t (was not) me, I swear!]
When answering a question using the word “hope” to express desire, use NOT for negative, and SO for positive.
- Is this your car, ma’am? [I hope not!]
- Is this your bag full of money, sir? [I hope so!]
