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She told me to not/never be late

hirashin

Sempai
Donor
8 Apr 2004
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Dear native English speakers,
Which would be used?
1a) Mother told me not to be late.
1b) Mother told me to not be late.
1c) Mother told me never to be late.
1d) Mother told me to never be late.

2a) The doctor advised him not to eat too much.
2b) The doctor advised him to not eat too much.


Thanks in advance.
Hirashin
 
Last edited:
They'd all be used. Note that "never" refers to habits, while "not" can also refer to a specific occasion, i.e. if you're saying "never", it has no particular connection to one specific event, rather it is intended as a general command for the future; whereas if you're saying "not", you could be talking about that, or you could be referring to a command related to a specific event you're not supposed to be late to. Hopefully that makes sense?
 
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