No and Not: The Difference Between No vs. Not

Learn the difference between no vs. not with example sentences and how to use no and not in English.

Difference between No and Not

How to Use No

• We use “no” to answer a Yes/ No question.

“Is this a good restaurant?” – “No, it isn’t a good restaurant.”

• We use “no” to agree with a negative statement.

“Jennifer is not going to get any better.” – “No. That’s true.”

• We use “no” before a noun without an article.

There is no general rule without some exception.

• We use “no” as an adjective preceding a noun without an article.

I’ve got no time to waste.

There are no people I recognize here.

• We use “no” as an exclamation.

“Do you need any help?” – “No. I’m okay!”

• We use “no” before a verbal noun (ending in -ing).

No smoking in this area!

No playing in parking area!

How to Use Not

• We use “not” before a noun that has an article.

I’m not the only one.

• We use “not” before any, much, many, or enough.

Not many people showed up.

There’s not much food in the house.

• We use “not” to make a verb negative.

He does not want to study. 

• We use “not” as an adverb which is describing a verb.

The motorbike is not very fast.

• We often use “not” to make an adjective or adverb negative.

“How are you, mate?” — “Not too bad, mate, how’s yourself?”

• We often use “not” in short replies with a number of verbs.

“Is it ready?” – “I’m afraid not.”
“Will she be there?” – “I hope not.”

Difference between No vs. Not | Infographic

What’s the Difference between No and Not

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Last Updated on March 16, 2021