The question of how to spell “not” with adjectives is quite complicated, since the choice of the correct option will depend on many factors, and there are exceptions. In the article, we give systematized data that will allow you to better understand spelling rules and put the acquired knowledge into practice. Consider when together, and when separately written "not" with adjectives. Examples will also be presented.
Variants of spelling
"Not" with adjectives is spelled in the following cases:
1. When the word without this morpheme is not used at all. For example, careless, inconspicuous (after all, the words "careless", "adult" do not exist).
2. If the adjective can be replaced by any 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 choose a synonym without "not", in which case it is allowed to explain the adjective with some expression that is close in meaning. For example, non-female power (that is, similar to male); non-childish reverie (that is, such as in adults).
Separate spelling
“Not” with adjectives is written separately if:
1. There is a contrast. So, in sentences where one part of the speech is contrasted with the other using the union “a”, the adjective with “not” will be written separately. This rule applies to both full and short forms. For example, not interesting, but boring; not sincere, but sham.
This requirement is also valid when there is no obvious opposition, but it is implied. Here is an example. We observe not ordinary weather (that is, not ordinary, but exceptional). At the same time, 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 don’t think the question is difficult).
- This is a simple question (i.e. an easy one).
An exception
Many people think about how to spell “not” with adjectives in sentences where there is a contrast, but not with the union “a”, but with the union “but”. Doubts arise not without 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 union “but” performs a different function in the proposal: we also see two signs, but the second of them exists simultaneously with the first, and as if contrary to it. Here are some examples:
- The question is not simple, but complex.
- The question 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, separately relative adjectives characterizing the permanent property of an object are written with “not”. It is also possible to select opposition. For example, spoons are not steel (... but silver); honey is not fake (... but floral).
As for how “not” is written with adjectives characterizing the quality of the subject, there are some nuances here. Separately, you should write "not" with high-quality parts of speech that indicate color. In combination with this particle, such adjectives express insufficient manifestation or lack of quality. For example, the shade is not blue; the paint is not yellow.
3. There is an underlined statement. If an adjective expresses an underlined statement in an interrogative or simply emotionally colored sentence, then it will be written separately with “not”. Such a sentence can be mentally supplemented with an answer. Here are some examples.
- Who does not know this film! - Yes, he is known to all.
- Is this not clear without explanation? - Yes it is clear.
Spelling "not" with adjectives if explanatory words are provided
1. If used as explanatory words such as “by no means”, “at all”, “far”, the adjective with “not” is written separately. The same applies to cases where adverbs starting with “no” are used (for example, not at all), and some negative pronouns (for example, no one). For example, not a dependent woman at all; far not a close path; not a sad movie at all.
The same rule applies to adjectives ending in -my. For example, not comparable to anyone; not at all dependent.
An exception
If in function the negative pronoun is more like a noun, that is, it is not dependent on the adjective, but rather is explained by it, then “not” with the word is written together. For example, I did not commit anything illegal.
2. If there are other explanatory words other than those listed in the first paragraph, “not” with the adjective is also spelled together. Here are some examples.
- You have made an inappropriate comment in this situation (that is, a comment is not appropriate - a negative sign is affirmed).
- These are incomprehensible words to us (that is, we do not understand the words).
- This is a place unsuitable 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 for their short forms. Here are some examples.
- He set a previously unthinkable record.
- Our state is economically independent.
3. When an adverb of degree or measure is placed next to the adjective (for example, extremely, almost, very, highly, very, etc.), it will be written together with “not”. For example: a very bad day; very ugly behavior.
If the adverbs “at all”, “at all” are used as explanatory words, there are two possible spellings of 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 in the meaning of “by no means”, “not at all”, etc. Compare examples:
- It was a completely uninteresting performance (statement: yes, not at all interesting).
- It was by no means a good look (denial: no, not at all kind).
comparative
If you come across a combination of a “not” particle and an adjective that has a comparative degree, pay attention to the meaning of the statement - this is what the spelling will depend on. For clarity, we give 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 further…
Adjectives such as larger, smaller, better, worse are written with "not" separately. Examples:
- He continued to work with no less persistence.
- Check revealed not the best results.
Finally
Now you know how to spell “not” with adjectives. And, as they probably managed to notice, there are a lot of nuances in this matter. To choose the right option, sometimes it’s not enough just to remember the rule, you still need to be able to reason logically and correctly determine the meaning of the statement.