[Grammar] How to use "Not" in a question

Status
Not open for further replies.

kwfine

Member
Joined
Feb 3, 2008
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
British English
Home Country
Australia
Current Location
Hong Kong
Dear teachers,

I am writing a question to ask my friends about the princess character of a Japanese anime,
but I am not sure if it is correct:

1. Why the princess does not have any magic power?
2. Why does the princess not have any magic power?
3. Why does not the princess have any magic power?

Please tell me if there is a correct answer in choices 1-3 above.
If there is not, please suggest one.

Thank you.

Kitty.
 

SoothingDave

VIP Member
Joined
Apr 17, 2009
Member Type
Interested in Language
Native Language
American English
Home Country
United States
Current Location
United States
1 in incorrect. 3 is most natural, especially if you make it "doesn't."
 

Marco Moreira

Member
Joined
May 13, 2012
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
Portuguese
Home Country
Brazil
Current Location
Brazil
Dear teachers,

I am writing a question to ask my friends about the princess character of a Japanese anime,
but I am not sure if it is correct:

1. Why the princess does not have any magic power?
2. Why does the princess not have any magic power?
3. Why does not the princess have any magic power?

Please tell me if there is a correct answer in choices 1-3 above.
If there is not, please suggest one.

Thank you.
Kitty.


I think number 1 is correct.
 

BrunaBC

Member
Joined
May 18, 2012
Member Type
Interested in Language
Native Language
Portuguese
Home Country
Brazil
Current Location
Brazil
1 would be right if you use indirect question: Could you tell me why the princess does not have any magic power?
 

emsr2d2

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 28, 2009
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
British English
Home Country
UK
Current Location
UK
1 in incorrect. 3 is most natural, especially if you make it "doesn't."

I would be inclined to say that 3 is natural only if "doesn't" is used. For me, using "does not" in this word order is very unnatural.
 

SoothingDave

VIP Member
Joined
Apr 17, 2009
Member Type
Interested in Language
Native Language
American English
Home Country
United States
Current Location
United States
I would be inclined to say that 3 is natural only if "doesn't" is used. For me, using "does not" in this word order is very unnatural.

Yes, I agree. It is natural as "doesn't," but not as "does not."
 

emsr2d2

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 28, 2009
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
British English
Home Country
UK
Current Location
UK
Also, the question should finish "any magic powers?", or "a magic power?"
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top