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Negative Past tense

kkannanbe

India

While speaking “when should i use did not or have not” and when should i use did’nt or have’nt”


Please advice me.

12:58 PM Nov 06 2012 |

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Son of English

Hong Kong

If speaking, it’s more natural to use ‘didn’t’ or ‘haven’t’, but either way is okay.


Though if you use ‘did not’ and ‘have not’, you might sound like Data from ‘Star Trek’.


Oh yeah, sometimes you might use ‘did not’ or ‘have not’ to emphasise something. E.g. “I did not have sexual relations with that woman,” said Bill Clinton.

02:56 PM Nov 06 2012 |