John A.

asked • 01/09/15

English : Negative Questions

Can you give me examples of negative questions and explain them for me? 
 
Like 6 examples?
Thank you by the way!:)

2 Answers By Expert Tutors

By:

Donald S. answered • 01/09/15

Tutor
New to Wyzant

Interactive Chemical Educator for Chemistry

See tutors like this
See tutors like this
Negative questions are questions that include a negative in the question.
Why don't you understand how to write negative questions? That is an example.
Why should you never exceed the speed limit?
Who didn't go to school today?
What can't you do while riding the bus?
Where have you never visited?
When don't you talk?
Upvote • 1 Downvote
More
Report

Elizabeth R. answered • 01/09/15

Tutor
New to Wyzant

Social studies, Reading, Writing, Computers, Standardized tests

See tutors like this
See tutors like this
Hi John!
 
A negative question is just what it sounds like: A question in negative form.
 
You can ask lots of questions.
  • Was she home?
  • Did he do that?
  • Is her name Mary?
 
 
The negative versions of those questions have a negative word: "not" 
  • Was she not home?
  • Did he not do that?
  • Is her name not Mary?
 
You can also use contractions in your negative questions. When you use contractions, your questions tend to be less formal.
  • Wasn't she home?
  • Didn't he do that?
  • Isn't her name Mary?
 
So why would you use a negative question? Let's think about it.
  • You texted your friend, Jane, but she didn't answer. You're afraid she's mad at you. You anxiously ask her brother, Pete, "Was she home last night?" You are very relieved to find out that Jane left her phone at home when she went to work and didn't get your text. She was so tired she went straight to bed and hasn't woken up yet!
  • Jane told you she would meet you online to play World of Warcraft, but never came to the raid you painstakingly set up. You just knew she'd be there to help out. You talk to Pete the next morning and find out she had to go run an errand for her dad. You say to Pete "She wasn't home?" It makes you feel better to know she didn't leave you hanging.
  • Now picture Jane's mother talking to Pete and finding out Jane didn't do the dishes. Jane was supposed to come home directly after school to do chores. "Was she not at home?" Jane's mother might exclaim in surprise and anger.
 
Now take these positive questions and turn them into negative questions using contractions. Do the same thing without contractions:
  • Is it true?
  • Do you have a phone?
  • Was it time?
 
Now you know about negative questions! If you have any more questions, please ask and I'll be glad to help.
Upvote • 0 Downvote
More
Report

John A.

Thank you very much!
 
How would I answer them in the correct way?
 
For example: Are you not going with us?
 
No = Meaning I'm not going with them?
Yes= I am going with them?
 
Is this Correct? 
P.S - Can you explain it all the way for me? Thank you!^^
Report

01/10/15

Elizabeth R.

Ah! Yes, the answer can be confusing!  English is a confusing language, especially when you add negatives. 
 
One of the keys to reading English is to not overthink what you're seeing. It's so easy to get lost in the right way to do it that we forget what we already know!
 
Negative questions are a little weird. Say it out loud to yourself, picturing a way to put it into context and you'll have the answer. 
 
Your friends Mary and Bob are going to the beach. They thought you were going with them, but you don't have your towel and swimsuit in your hands when they see you. They say "Are you not going with us?" What do you say? 
 
More than likely, that question doesn't get a "yes" or "no." It will probably get one of those plus an explanation for clarification. "Yes, I'm coming with you."
 
Another way to understand a negative question -and what the answer should be- is to put it in contraction form. It's the way we're used to hearing negative questions.
 
It's Halloween. Mary and Bob tell you stories about this crazy haunted house they went to last year. It was really scary, with a chainsaw guy jumping out and everything. They want to go back tomorrow night. You are not really cool with chainsaws. You have a weird look on your face as they're working out times on when to go. Mary looks at you and says "Aren't you coming with us?" What is your answer?
 
Your answers are correct in meaning. You're getting it! If you have any more questions, you know where to reach me.
 
 
Report

01/10/15

Still looking for help? Get the right answer, fast.

Ask a question for free

Get a free answer to a quick problem.
Most questions answered within 4 hours.

OR

Find an Online Tutor Now

Choose an expert and meet online. No packages or subscriptions, pay only for the time you need.