If you are a non-native English speaker, you may wonder how to pronounce the word "not" correctly. In this article, we will guide you through the proper pronunciation and usage of this common word.
The phonetic transcription of the word "not" in English is /nɑt/. This means that the first sound is a nasal "n" followed by an "ah" sound, and the final sound is a "t".
To pronounce "not" correctly, start by making the nasal "n" sound by touching the tip of your tongue to the back of your upper teeth. Then, arch your tongue and say "ah" as in "father". Finally, release the sound by saying "t" while touching the tip of your tongue to the back of your upper teeth again.
It's important to emphasize the "t" sound at the end of "not" to distinguish it from the similar-sounding word "naught" which has a different meaning. Also, avoid adding an unnecessary vowel sound between the "n" and "t" as in "no-at".
"Not" is an adverb that is used to negate verbs, nouns or pronouns in a sentence. For example, "I am not going to the party." In this sentence, "not" negates the verb "going" and implies that the person is not attending the party. "Not" can also be used to express denial or refusal as in "I do not agree with you."
It's important to note that in informal language, native English speakers often contract "not" with the preceding auxiliary verb in a sentence. For example, "I'm not going" instead of "I am not going".
Now that you know how to pronounce "not" correctly and its usage in sentences, you can practice using it in your conversations with confidence. Remember to avoid blending "not" with other sounds and to emphasize the final "t". Happy practicing!
