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callmemaybe
Which one is correct? Is it " don't want to do sth" or " want not to do sth"
Hey,
I'm learning the negative form of "to do sth." It is said the negative form of " to do sth" is "not to do sth."
So should I say " I want not to do sth" It seems so weird to say that way. I'm so confused, please help me out. thx.
Oct 28, 2014 11:48 AM
Answers · 1
You are quite right. 'I want not to do something' is a strange thing to say in most situations.
The opposite of 'I want to do this' is - obviously - 'I don't want to do this'.
If you want to express a lack of desire to do something, you put the verb 'want' into the negative, not the verb 'do'.
I think that you are over-applying some grammar which is intended for a different use. 'Not to do' is a negative infinitive. For example:
He agreed to do this.
He agreed not to do this.
October 28, 2014
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callmemaybe
Language Skills
Chinese (Mandarin), English
Learning Language
English
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