Remember the simple rules for spelling “not” with adjectives? It is written together when the word is not used without it (“nondescript”, “inevitable”) and when it can be replaced with a synonym (“small” - “small”, “ugly” - “ugly”). And when there is a contrast with “a” (“not simple, but complex”), “not” should be written separately with the adjective.
Remember? Well, I’ll make you happy: in fact, these are not all the rules - only the basic ones, and the rest, as you will see, are not so simple.
Let's see what difficulties are encountered when writing “not” with adjectives.
Difficulty No. 1. “Underground” opposition
It happens that “not” is attached to an adjective in such a way that there is no opposition with “a”, but mentally you want to add it. For example: “not many people can decide to do this.” Why is “not” written separately here? Because the implication is that "not many, but only some people can decide to do this.” In such a situation, separate writing would be correct.
Difficulty No. 2. Opposition, but not that
Sometimes, remembering that in the presence of opposition “not” should be written separately with the word, we forget about the type of opposition. This should be a contrast with the conjunction “a”: “not blind, but sighted.” But when contrasted with “but”, when there is no negation of the sign, “not” will be written together: “the dog is kind, but very respectable.”
Difficulty No. 3. Short adjectives
In most cases, the same rules apply to short adjectives as to long adjectives. However, there are also some peculiarities. Thus, “not” will always be written separately with those short adjectives that do not have a full form: “should not, does not intend, is not glad.” The same applies to short adjectives, which in their full form take on a different meaning: “not ready, not inclined.”
In the combinations “I do not agree, I am wrong, I am not needed, I am not capable,” separate writing predominates, although they can also be written together - it all depends on the context. If it is necessary to emphasize a negative attribute here, there is no need to separate “not” from the word.
Difficulty No. 4. Comparative degree of adjectives
In this case, first of all, you need to look at the meaning of the word. You can say: “today you are more restless than yesterday” (i.e. “more restless”) and “today you are no calmer than yesterday” (i.e. “the same calm, no more”). True, sometimes only the author can understand the nuances of meaning...
Difficulty No. 5. Verbal adjectives ending with “-my”
The main problem here is this: both adjectives and participles can end with “-my”, and they must be distinguished, since when written with “not” these parts of speech are subject to different rules. An adjective with “not” will coexist together even if there is an explanatory word (“substances insoluble in liquid”), and the participle in this case will have to be separated from this particle (“the house we do not visit”).
However, we must remember that “not” with similar adjectives can be written separately: if the negation is reinforced by a nearby particle “nor” or combinations “far from, not at all, not at all”, etc. (“incomparable impression ").
Of course, if these adjectives are not used without “not,” there is no need to forcibly cut off this part from them.
The question of how to spell “not” with adjectives is quite complex, since choosing the correct option will depend on many factors, and there are exceptions. In the article we will present systematized data that will allow you to better understand spelling rules and apply the acquired knowledge in practice. Let's consider when “not” is written together and when separately with adjectives. Examples will also be presented.
Continuous writing options
“Not” is written together with adjectives in the following cases:
1. When a word without this morpheme is not used at all. For example, careless, nondescript (after all, the words “careless” and “disgusting” do not exist).
2. If the adjective can be replaced with some synonym that does not contain “not”. For example, sad (sad); unmarried (single). It should be borne in mind that it is not always possible to find a synonym without “not”; in this case, it is permissible to clarify the adjective with some expression close in meaning. For example, non-feminine strength (that is, similar to male strength); non-childish thoughtfulness (that is, the same as in adults).
Separate writing option
“Not” is written separately with adjectives if:
1. There is a contrast. So, in sentences where one part of speech is contrasted with another using the conjunction “a”, the adjective with “not” will be written separately. This rule applies to both long and short forms. For example, it is not interesting, but boring; not sincere, but feigned.
This prescription also applies when there is no explicit opposition, but it is implied. Here's an example. We are not observing ordinary weather (that is, not ordinary, but exceptional). Please note that the meaning in such sentences can be interpreted in different ways. Compare two options:
- This is not a difficult question (...but a simple one, that is, you do not think that the question is difficult).
- This is not a difficult question (that is, easy).
Exception
Many people think about how “not” is written with adjectives in sentences where there is opposition, but not with the conjunction “a”, but with the conjunction “but”. Doubts arise for good reason, because, indeed, such a case is an exception, and the adjective in this situation will be written with “not” together. The fact is that the conjunction “but” performs a different function in a sentence: we also see two signs, but the second of them exists both simultaneously with the first, and as if in spite of it. Here are some examples:
- The question is not simple, but complex.
- The issue is not simple, but solvable (yes, it is not simple, but it can still be solved).
2. There is a denial of some quality or property. So, they are written with “not” separately characterizing a permanent property of an object. It is also possible to select a contrast for them. For example, the spoons are not steel (...but silver); honey is not linden (...but flower).
As for how “not” is written with adjectives that characterize the quality of an object, there are some nuances here. Separately, you should write “not” with qualitative parts of speech that denote color. In combination with this particle, such adjectives express insufficient manifestation or absence of quality. For example, the shade is not blue; the paint is not yellow.
3. There is an underlined statement. If in an interrogative or simply emotionally charged sentence an adjective expresses an underlined statement, then it will be written separately with “not”. Such a sentence can be mentally supplemented with an answer. Let's give examples.
- Who doesn't know this movie! - Yes, he is known to everyone.
- Isn't this clear without explanation? - Yes, I understand.
Spelling “not” with adjectives if there are explanatory words
1. If explanatory words such as “not at all”, “at all”, “far” are used, the adjective with “not” is written separately. The same applies to cases where adverbs starting with “neither” are used (for example, not at all) and some negative pronouns (for example, no one). For example, not a dependent woman at all; far from a close path; It's not a sad film at all.
The same rule applies to adjectives ending in “-my”. For example, incomparable to anyone; not dependent at all.
Exception
If the function is more reminiscent of a noun, that is, it is not dependent on the adjective, but, on the contrary, is explained by it, then “not” is written together with the word. For example, I haven't done anything illegal.
2. If there are other explanatory words besides those listed in the first paragraph, “not” with the adjective is also written together. Let's give examples.
- You made a remark that was inappropriate in this situation (that is, the remark is not appropriate - a negative sign is asserted).
- These are words that we do not understand (that is, we do not understand the words).
- This is an unsuitable place for games (that is, the place is not suitable for games).
The rule also applies to adjectives ending in “-my”, such as waterproof, independent, incorrigible, fireproof, indestructible, etc., including their short forms. Let's give examples.
- He set a previously unimaginable record.
- Our state is economically independent.
3. When next to an adjective there is an adverb of degree or measure (for example, extremely, almost, very, extremely, very, etc.), it will be written together with “not”. For example: a very unlucky day; very ugly behavior.
If the adverbs “at all” and “at all” are used as explanatory words, there are two possible spelling options for the adjective with “not”. It will be written together if the explanatory word is given in the meaning of “completely”, “very”, “absolutely”, and separately - if it means “not at all”, “not at all”, etc. Compare the examples:
- It was a completely uninteresting performance (statement: yes, not interesting at all).
- It was not a kind look at all (denial: no, not at all kind).
Comparative degree
If you come across a combination of the particle “not” and an adjective that has a meaning, pay attention to the meaning of the statement - the spelling will depend on this. For clarity, here are some examples:
- This picture is not more beautiful than that (that is, it is not more beautiful than the other).
- This picture is uglier than that (that is, less beautiful than the other).
And one more thing...
Adjectives like bigger, smaller, better, worse are written with “not” separately. Examples:
- He continued to work with no less tenacity.
- The test did not reveal the best results.
In conclusion
Now you know how to spell “not” with adjectives. And, as you probably already noticed, there are quite a lot of nuances in this matter. To choose the right option, sometimes it is not enough just to remember the rule; you also need to be able to reason logically and correctly determine the meaning of the statement.
Spelling NOT and NOR.
Spelling is not and neither with different parts of speech.
The rule is divided into two parts:
continuous or separate writing NOT with all parts of speech;
difference between NOT and NOR
Rule.
Integrated and separate writing NOT (the picture can be enlarged by clicking on it)
Distinguish!
Depending on conditions
| Part of speech | Together | Separately |
| nouns, adjectives | = synonym without non-: insincerity = hypocrisy, unpopular = little known |
Opposition (union A or antonym), it is impossible to find a synonym: not caution, but cowardice not a mathematician |
| adverbs | 1. Adverbs ending in –O, -E = synonym without non-: not difficult to do (=easy) 2. in negative adverbs: nowhere, nowhere, nowhere, no need 3. No wonder = not in vain |
1. Adverbs ending in –O, -E, if there is a conjunction a, antonym: lives not close, but far 2. Adverbs not ending in –O, -E: not on time 3. Not for nothing = not free |
| pronouns | Negative and uncertain NOT/NOR + who, what, which, which, whose, how many, which |
1. Others: not yours, not me, not everyone 2. Negative and indefinite, if there is a preposition between them: no one, no need |
| participles | Without dependent words: unwritten letter In combination with adverbs of measure and degree: absolutely unfinished task |
With dependent words: a letter he didn't write |
| participles and adjectives with suffixes | Without dependent words in the instrumental case (by whom? with what?): least favorite dishes |
With dependent words in the instrumental case: our least favorite dishes |
| Despite/despite | = contrary to: despite his illness, he went for a walk |
Literally from the verbs “to look; look": walked without looking at his feet |
Difference between NOT and NOR
In a simple sentence
| NOT | NI |
| like denial | like strengthening negation, negation |
| 1. With a verb, participle and gerund: I don't want milk, a nation that doesn't read books |
1. For other parts of speech: I don't want milk or tea |
| 2. In sentences where there is no predicate: Not moving! |
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| 3. In phraseological units: neither two nor one and a half neither alive nor dead no end no end neither fish nor fowl out of the blue neither this nor that |
|
| as a statement | |
| 2. In a compound verbal predicate when repeating NOT... NOT = statement: I can't help but come in |
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| 3. In interrogative and exclamatory sentences with a general meaning: Who haven't I met! |
In a complex sentence, with the words where, where, how, when, what, who, how many NOT/NOR:
Parsing algorithm.
1. Identify the part of speech.
2. See if there are words in the sentence that are NOT always written separately.
3. Pay attention to whether there is a prefix NEDO- or a combination NOT DO-.
4. Regarding parts of speech, remember the rule.
Analysis of the task.
In which sentence is NOT written SEPARATELY with the word?
1) He lacks experience and (doesn’t) have enough patience.
2) Our country is (in)dependent.
3) Somehow they immediately (dis)loved him.
4) We stopped at a site that was not at all suitable for construction.
Option #1.
(Not) enough– verb with NOT (TO)-. Removing NOT-: he has enough patience. You can’t say that, it means it can’t be used without NOT. Write together!
Option #2.
(NOT)dependent – This is a short participle with the suffix –IM. The sentence does not have a dependent word in the instrumental case, which means we are NOT writing together.
Option #3.
(Not) fell in love– without NOT not used. Write together.
If a verb cannot be used without NOT, it is written with NOT together.
For example: to hate, to be unwell, to be indignant.
In other cases, NOT with verbs is always written separately.
It is necessary to distinguish between verbs with the compound prefix “nedo” and verbs with the prefix “do” plus the negative particle NOT. The prefix “under” has the meaning of insufficiency of something, incompleteness, and is written together with the verb. A verb with the prefix “to” and the negative particle “NOT” denotes an action that is interrupted, not completed, impracticable, interrupted.
For example: He lacks love (lacking love). He does not reach the door handle (impossible action).
Spelling NOT with gerunds
Subject to the same rule as spelling NOT with verbs.
For example: indignant, not looking.
Spelling NOT with pronouns
In pronouns, NOT is written under stress and together, except in cases where NOT and the pronoun are separated by a preposition.
NOT with pronouns and adverbs is always written together: there is no place, there is no need, there is no place.
Remember: none other than; nothing more than; like no one else; like nothing else.
Spelling NOT with numerals
NOT with numerals is always written separately.
Spelling NOT with adjectives, nouns and adverbs ending in -о, -е
| Together | Separately |
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Note. You should be careful when writing NOT with words that contain the word “absolutely.” If it means “completely, very”, it is NOT written together. If it means “not at all” - separately.
For example:
A very unexciting journey (= a very unexciting journey).
Not a random word at all (not a random word at all). The spelling of short adjectives that have a full form follows the rules of spelling full adjectives.
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