What a Negative Covers

Level 5

The position and focus of a negative determine which claim is denied.

How It Works

The position and focus of a negative determine which claim is denied.

Δεν ήρθαν όλοι denies that everyone came without necessarily saying nobody came. Negating a wish and wishing for a negative outcome can also differ; read each whole construction rather than counting negatives.

GreekMeaning
Δεν ήρθαν όλοι.Not everyone came.
Δεν θέλω να φύγεις.I do not want you to leave.
Θέλω να μη φύγεις.I want you not to leave.

Examples (3)

  1. Δεν ήρθαν όλοι.

    Not everyone came.

  2. Δεν θέλω να φύγεις.

    I do not want you to leave.

  3. Θέλω να μη φύγεις.

    I want you not to leave.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

What a Negative CoversLevel 5

Learn This First

Recognize finite clause negation before asking what alternatives or proposition the negative excludes.

Words in This Pattern

δενμημην