Common Grammar Mistake: "Not Longer" vs "No Longer"

Have you ever come across the phrase "not longer" and wondered if it should actually be "no longer"? If so, you are not alone. This is a common mistake many people make when trying to express the idea of something not happening anymore or being in existence for a shorter period of time. Let's take a closer look at the difference between these two phrases and when to use them correctly.

Understanding "No Longer"

The phrase "no longer" is an adverb that is used to indicate that something that was true or existed before is not true or does not exist anymore. It suggests a complete cessation or end of something.

• Incorrect: She does not longer work here.
• Correct: She no longer works here.

In the correct example, "no longer" is used to convey the idea that the person used to work there, but now they do not. This phrase is commonly used when discussing changes or discontinuations.

Avoiding "Not Longer"

"Not longer" is not the correct phrase to use in this context. The word "not" is used to negate a verb, adjective, or adverb, but it cannot be directly combined with "longer."

• Incorrect: I can not longer tolerate his behavior.
• Correct: I can no longer tolerate his behavior.

In this corrected sentence, "no longer" conveys the idea that the person used to tolerate the behavior, but they can no longer do so. It implies a change or shift in the person's feelings or tolerance level.

It's important to remember that "not longer" is grammatically incorrect and should be replaced with "no longer" to ensure clear and accurate communication.

Using a proofreading tool like Linguix grammar checker can help you spot and correct mistakes like this, ensuring that your writing is professional and error-free.