Hi i really need some help. we're on a huge bet.
original sentence - you don't want to break the faucet, don't you?
modified sentence 1 - you want not to break the faucet, don't you?
I'm sure that modified sentence 1 is quite wrong, but my colleague is also sure that not+to+v is also okay.
I tried to explain it but failed, help me with your generosity.
question 1 - Is modified sentence 1 correct?
question 2 - If incorrect, how can i explain them that it's wrong?
forms of to-infinitive negative
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gtrock
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Alan
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Re: forms of to-infinitive negative
Verbal negatives such as 'want not' are generally possible in contemporary usage only as the first element in a coordinate construction (not...but...), e.g.
I want NOT just to talk to them BUT to punish them!
On its own, the usage is archaic.
(N.B. You might also care to know that you have used the wrong question tag!
--> You don't want to break the faucet, DO you?)
I want NOT just to talk to them BUT to punish them!
On its own, the usage is archaic.
(N.B. You might also care to know that you have used the wrong question tag!
--> You don't want to break the faucet, DO you?)