Common mistake Are not (formal) → Aren't

Common English Grammar Mistakes

Good grammar is essential for effective communication in English. However, even the most proficient users of the language sometimes make mistakes. In this article, we will discuss some common grammar mistakes and how to avoid them.

Avoiding the Use of "Are not" in Informal Language

One common mistake is using "are not" instead of the more commonly used contraction "aren't" in informal language. While "are not" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal and stilted in everyday speech or writing. For example:

  • Incorrect: We are not going to the party tonight.
  • Correct: We aren't going to the party tonight.

Using the contraction "aren't" instead of "are not" sounds more natural and is widely accepted in informal English.

Avoiding Overly Formal Questions

Another common mistake is using overly formal language when asking questions. While sometimes formal language is appropriate, in many situations, using a more relaxed and conversational tone is preferred. For example:

  • Incorrect: Do you not like ice cream?
  • Correct: Don't you like ice cream?

The second sentence sounds more natural and is commonly used in everyday speech.

Using the Correct Verb Forms in Questions

Using the correct verb forms in questions is important for clear and accurate communication. It is a common mistake to use the wrong verb forms in questions, leading to grammatically incorrect sentences. For example:

  • Incorrect: Do he like soccer?
  • Correct: Does he like soccer?

In the incorrect sentence, the verb form "does" is used instead of "do," which is the correct form to match the subject "he."

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For those who want to ensure their writing is free from grammar mistakes, the Linguix Grammar Checker is a valuable tool. It can help identify and correct common grammar mistakes, improving the overall quality and clarity of your writing.

Are not (formal) → Aren't mistake examples

  • Incorrect:
    Are not you the cause of this for me?

    Correct:
    Aren't you the cause of this for me?

  • Incorrect:
    Are not you ashamed of yourself?

    Correct:
    Aren't you ashamed of yourself?

  • Incorrect:
    Is not this the word that we spoke to thee in Egypt, saying: Depart from us, that we may serve the Egyptians? for it was much better to serve them, than to die in the wilderness.

    Correct:
    Isn't this the word that we spoke to thee in Egypt, saying: Depart from us, that we may serve the Egyptians? for it was much better to serve them, than to die in the wilderness.

  • Incorrect:
    Is not philosophy, after all, pretending to ignore what is known, and to know what is not known?

    Correct:
    Isn't philosophy, after all, pretending to ignore what is known, and to know what is not known?

  • Incorrect:
    Is not a helping life ten times magnified?

    Correct:
    Isn't a helping life ten times magnified?

  • Incorrect:
    Is not that the reason why you spent so much time in Rome last year?

    Correct:
    Isn't that the reason why you spent so much time in Rome last year?

  • Incorrect:
    Would not you reckon the alchymist for a god, that could add ten years to the sum of your life, and call back advanced age to the vigour of youth?

    Correct:
    Wouldn't you reckon the alchymist for a god, that could add ten years to the sum of your life, and call back advanced age to the vigour of youth?

  • Incorrect:
    Would not something similar be possible on Steam?

    Correct:
    Wouldn't something similar be possible on Steam?

  • Incorrect:
    Do not you get annoyed?

    Correct:
    Don't you get annoyed?

  • Incorrect:
    Should not it be a string of numbers?

    Correct:
    Shouldn't it be a string of numbers?

  • Incorrect:
    Will not the price to be paid for the things to be lost, be too high?

    Correct:
    Won't the price to be paid for the things to be lost, be too high?

  • Correct:
    Do not come back, OK?
  • Correct:
    Do not simply come back, OK?
  • Correct:
    Having not read it, you are saying it was a provocateur, right?
  • Correct:
    Is not helping someone a crime?
  • Correct:
    Is not a coincidence that all the stores closed earlier today.
  • Correct:
    Has not received regulatory approval
  • Correct:
    Have not heard from him.
  • Correct:
    Are Not Yet Available for Greenville, KY.
  • Correct:
    Am not I lucky?
  • Correct:
    Can not you get it?
  • Correct:
    Will not be in this morning as I am having eye surgery (lasik) later today.
  • Incorrect:
    Am not I lucky?

    Correct:
    Aren't I lucky?

  • Incorrect:
    Can not you get it?

    Correct:
    Can't you get it?

  • Incorrect:
    Why would not that work?

    Correct:
    Why wouldn't that work?

  • Incorrect:
    Why does not anyone translate the phrases I send to this site?

    Correct:
    Why doesn't anyone translate the phrases I send to this site?

  • Incorrect:
    Now why do not you teach her how to properly wear them?

    Correct:
    Now why don't you teach her how to properly wear them?

  • Incorrect:
    But why should not I wear pink ribbons?

    Correct:
    But why shouldn't I wear pink ribbons?

  • Incorrect:
    If we believe that, why do not we have it?

    Correct:
    If we believe that, why don't we have it?

  • Incorrect:
    While trying to shake off love, why do not you give yourself a little time to think?

    Correct:
    While trying to shake off love, why don't you give yourself a little time to think?

  • Correct:
    the production of food for priests and warriors who do not themselves produce
  • Correct:
    Which are not the same?
  • Correct:
    Who was not here?
  • Correct:
    Who is not unwell?
  • Correct:
    Who is not a native Berber speaker here?
  • Correct:
    That is not what you want?
  • Incorrect:
    Why am not I enough for you?

    Correct:
    Why aren't I enough for you?

  • Incorrect:
    Why can not I share a regular binary file?

    Correct:
    Why can't I share a regular binary file?

  • Incorrect:
    If that is so, why can not we have it?

    Correct:
    If that is so, why can't we have it?

  • Incorrect:
    If he serves others, then why can not we?

    Correct:
    If he serves others, then why can't we?

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