Definition / Explanation
To make a negative sentence with be, we add not after the verb. In everyday English, speakers often use short forms such as isn't and aren't. These contractions are very common in speech and informal writing. This pattern is different from other present simple negatives, because we do not use do or does with be.
Key Rules
- Use am not with I: I am not busy.
- Use is not / isn't with he, she, it, and singular nouns.
- Use are not / aren't with you, we, they, and plural nouns.
- Do not use don't or doesn't with be.
- Contractions are common, but amn't is not standard English.
Examples
- I am not cold.
- He isn't in the office.
- This bag isn't mine.
- We aren't hungry.
- They are not at school today.
Common Mistakes
- ❌ She don't ready. -> ✅ She isn't ready.
- ❌ I amn't tired. -> ✅ I am not tired.
- ❌ They not are here. -> ✅ They are not here.