Transformation of

Sentences:
to Negatives and
Interrogatives

Affirmative into Negatives

In the simple present tense, we make
negative forms by putting not
after do or does.
Note that do is used when the
subject is a plural noun or pronoun.
The first person pronoun I also takes
the verb do. Does is used when
the subject is a singular noun or
pronoun.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

My sister lives with my parents.

I know the answer.
I want to leave now.
My mother works at a bank.
Supriya sings really well.

 1. My sister does not live with my

parents.
2. I do not know the answer.
3. I do not want to leave now.
4. My mother does not work at a
bank.
5. Supriya does not sing very well.

 In the simple past tense, we make

negatives by putting did not
before the base form of the verb.
The boy killed the spider with his
shoe.
She recognized him at once.
He apologized for his conduct.
She threw a tantrum when she was
told that she wouldnt be able to go.

The boy did not kill the spider

with his shoe.
She did not recognize him at
once.
He did not apologize for his
conduct.
She did not throw a tantrum
when she was told that she
wouldnt be able to go.

Assertive to
Interrogative
An assertive sentence can be changed
into an interrogative sentence by putting
the auxiliary verb before the subject.
Assertive: She is my friend.
Interrogative: Is she my friend?
Assertive: He has finished his work.
Interrogative: Has he finished his work?
Assertive: He is very intelligent.
Interrogative: Is he very intelligent?

Assertive to Interrogative
If the assertive sentence contains the
adverbnever, it becomeseverin the
interrogative sentence.
Assertive: I never asked you to do it.
Interrogative: Did I ever ask you to do it?
If the assertive sentence contains the
adverbno, it becomesanyin the interrogative
sentence.
Assertive: There is no sense in doing that.
Interrogative: Is there any sense in doing that?

 Assertive: I have never scolded my

class.
Interrogative: Have I ever scold my
class?
Assertive: There is no water in the
bucket. that.
Interrogative: Is there any water in
the bucket?

Imperative to Interrogative
Note that the interrogative is a milder form of the
imperative. But the addition ofor notto the interrogative
form will add a touch of threat to it.
Imperative: Shut up.
Interrogative: Will you shut up or not?
Imperative: Get out of here.
Interrogative: Will you get out of here or not?
Imperative: Speak loudly.
Interrogative: Will you speak loudly?
Imperative: Please take me to the Director of the Institute.
Interrogative: Will you, please, take me to the Director of
the Institute?

Exercise

Change the following assertive sentences into interrogative.

1. It was a great sight.
2. No one can tolerate this.
3. There is nothing particularly impressive about this picture.
4. No one worships the setting sun.
5. Gulliver could hear his watch ticking in his pocket.
6. It is useless to cry over spilt milk.
7. Switzerland is known for its scenic beauty.
8. The beauty of nature is beyond description.
9. Everybody has heard of Darwin.
10. He has his dinner at seven every evening.
11. I told him to practice regularly.
12. Virtue is its own reward.

Answers
1. Was it a great sight? OR Was it not a great sight?
2. Can anyone tolerate this?
3. Is there anything particularly impressive about this picture?
4. Does anyone worship the setting sun?
5. Could Gulliver hear his watch ticking in his pocket?
6. Is it useless to cry over spilt milk? OR Is it not useless to cry over spilt
milk?
7. Is Switzerland known for its scenic beauty? OR Is not Switzerland known for
its scenic beauty?
8. Is the beauty of nature beyond description? OR Isnt the beauty of nature
beyond description?
9. Has everybody heard of Darwin? OR Hasnt everybody heard of Darwin?
10. Does he have his dinner at seven every evening?
11. Did I tell him to practice regularly? OR Did I not tell him to practice
regularly?
12. Is not virtue its own reward?

 Change the following imperative

sentences into interrogative
sentences.
1. Open the door.
2. Get me a glass of coffee.
3. Get out of here.
4. Sit down.
5. Ask John to come here.
6. Wait here.

 Answers
1. Will you, please, open the door?
2. Will you, please, get me a glass of
coffee?
3. Will you get out of here?
4. Will you, please, sit down?
5. Will you ask John to come here?
6. Will you, please, come here?