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Question formation: Aren't you happy? or Are you not happy?
Question
Which is correct: "Aren't you happy?" or "Are you not happy?"
—
Vinay Gamit
,
India
Answer
Both of these questions are correct, but the first version sounds much more natural, and the second one would be used only in a very formal or stylized context.
This is true for negative yes/no questions in general. They normally begin with a contraction of be or the auxiliary verb + not, as in the examples below.
- Didn’t he go to class yesterday?
- Isn’t Catherine going to Singapore?
- Haven’t you done your homework yet?
However, in formal or stylized contexts, or to place strong emphasis on the negative, not can be placed after the subject, as in the examples below. Keep in mind that this formation is rare.
- Are you not happy?
- Did he not go to class yesterday?
- Is Catherine not going to Singapore?
- Have you not done your homework yet?
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