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Latest post Tue, Sep 20 2005 5:41 AM by CalifJim. 2 replies.
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hanuman_2000  +  139565 Tue, 20 Sep 05 05:26 AM

Hello,

1. How long has it not been raining?

2. How long has not it been raining?

I want to know correct position of  not in the above given sentences?

Which one is correct?

Thanks.

 

Joined on Thu, Aug 12 2004
INDIA
Contributing Member 1,644
CalifJim  +  139570 Tue, 20 Sep 05 05:38 AM
In a question form, only one word (from the statement form) can be moved to a position before the subject.  This is almost always a verb, but it may be a verb with a contracted negative "n't" attached.  When spelled out as "not", "not" counts as a second word and is not placed before the subject.

First alternative:
It hasn't been raining for very long.
"It" is the subject.
Question form:  Hasn't it been raining for very long?

Second alternative:
It has not been raining for very long.
"It" is the subject.
Question form:  Has it not been raining for very long?

"Has not it" puts two words -- a verb and the negation "not" -- in front of the subject.  This form is not used in modern English.

The first alternative shown above is the most common.

CJ

Joined on Mon, Aug 2 2004
California
Veteran Member 22,415
"There are no facts, only interpretations" - Nietzsche
CalifJim  +  139571 Tue, 20 Sep 05 05:41 AM
That said, it is very unusual to ask how long something has not been happening.
CJ

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