1. Cerrus

    Cerrus New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 3, 2011
    Messages:
    150
    Likes Received:
    6
    Location:
    Right Behind You

    Have Not and Haven't uses

    Discussion in 'Word Mechanics' started by Cerrus, Sep 10, 2012.

    Recently my sister asked me while I was listening to some music, "Haven't you heard all of their music before?" and so I thought about it and answered, "No." because my thinking was that she asked me if I haven't heard it before in which I had. Sorry if this sounds confusing. Are people just using "haven't" when they should just say "have" or am I thinking of this wrong?
     
  2. ChickenFreak

    ChickenFreak Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Mar 9, 2010
    Messages:
    15,262
    Likes Received:
    13,084
    "Haven't you blahed?" means that the person asking thinks that you've blahed and is asking to make sure that they're right. That may not be the logical translation, but it is what it means.
     
  3. digitig

    digitig Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2010
    Messages:
    2,490
    Likes Received:
    81
    Location:
    Orpington, Bromley, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
    It simply isn't worth looking for logic in the way we respond to negative questions in English, is it?
     
  4. mammamaia

    mammamaia nit-picker-in-chief Contributor

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2006
    Messages:
    19,150
    Likes Received:
    1,034
    Location:
    Coquille, Oregon
    the real problem is how to answer one!... such as:

    'don't you know i don't want to not love you?
     
  5. EdFromNY

    EdFromNY Hope to improve with age Supporter Contributor

    Joined:
    Jun 13, 2010
    Messages:
    5,101
    Likes Received:
    3,203
    Location:
    Queens, NY
    Ah, the triple negative, such as "not unmeaningless" (with thanks to James Thurber).
     
  6. digitig

    digitig Contributor Contributor

    Joined:
    Jan 21, 2010
    Messages:
    2,490
    Likes Received:
    81
    Location:
    Orpington, Bromley, United Kingdom, United Kingdom
    The safest way is probably to avoid a direct answer. "How could you even ask that?"
     
  7. Roger Morris

    Roger Morris New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 5, 2012
    Messages:
    10
    Likes Received:
    0
    Have not and haven't are similar in their usage because " haven't " is " have not " combined.
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice