Practice Makes Perfect

Formed with no- Formed with not Positive Form

none not any some

no one not anyone (or anybody) someone (or somebody)

nothing not anything something

nowhere not anywhere somewhere

never* not ever ever

neither* not either either

*Take note of the spelling.

Be aware of how the two forms are used differently:

I have noneto give you. I do nothave anythingto give you.

He spoke to no one. He did notspeak to anyone.

We want nothingfrom you. We do notwant anythingfrom you.

She’s nowhereto be found. She’s not anywhereto be found.

I’ll neverforgive you. I will not everforgive you.

He wants neitherof them. He does notwant eitherof them.

When the negative word is removed from the sentence, the positive form replaces it:

Hector didn’t dance with anyone. Hector danced with someone.

The customer wants nothing. The customer wants something.

Note: English never uses a double negative—for example, doesn’t want nothing.

Rewrite each sentence twice, first by adding not, then by using a contraction of not.

1. The boys were playing basketball at the park.


2. My sister is a concert pianist.


3. Are you well?


4. His nephew is learning Japanese.

exercise 23-1

116 Practice Makes Perfect: English Grammar for ESL Learners

06 (099-132B) Units 20-25 11/3/04 1:42 PM Page 116