Rules on Changing Affirmative to Negative 

Affirmative

Negative

1. Only/Alone

Person/

Allah

None but

Things/

objects

Nothing but

Number/

age

Not more than/Not less than

2. Must/have to

cannot but+verb1

cannot help+verb1+ing

3. Had to

could not but+verb1

could not help+verb1+ing

4. Every (body/one/noun)

There is no (body/one/noun) but

5. By+gerund

Without+gerund (negative)

6. Both……and/as well as/and

Not only …….but also

7. As soon as

No sooner had……verb3……than

8. as/so……. As

not less……than

9. too……to+v1

so……that + sub+ can/could (not) + verb1

10. Superlative degree

Positive degree

11. Universal truth

Negative interrogative

12. for good/for ever

never …..again

13. many

not a few

14. a few

not many

15. a little

not much

16. much

not a little

Exercises on Affirmative to Negative 

1. Only/Alone (Person/Allah) replaced by None but

Only/Alone (object/thing) replaced by Nothing but

A.  Aff: Anger is only a vice.   

Neg: Anger is nothing but a vice.
1. Rishad was alone alive in the accident. 2. Only Rana will fall into my pit. 3. Only poverty is responsible for this. 4. Bangladesh is the only darling child of nature. 5. Only the cook told him. 6. A computer is an only blessing on earth. 7. Happiness is only a psychological thing. 8. Life is only the sum total of moments. 9. Only an emotionally balanced person keeps it under control. 10. Only education gives us the light of knowledge. 11. Only the boys who work hard can shine in life. 12. Only Allah can help us. 13. He alone can solve this. 14. Only a patriot can be so noble. 15. He lives alone in the house. 16. Poverty is the only cause. 17. Only the qualified candidates should apply for the post. 18. Only he can play good cricket. 19. Only the science students can apply for the post. 20. Only they can do the work. 21. Only he can speak English here. 22. He ate only the plainest food. 23. Only the pure man in heart could be perfectly just.

  1. None but Rishad was alive in the accident.
  2. None but Rana will fall into my pit.
  3. Nothing but poverty is responsible for this.
  4. Bangladesh is nothing but the darling child of nature.
  5. None but the cook told him.
  6. A computer is nothing but a blessing on earth.
  7. Happiness is nothing but a psychological thing.
  8. Life is nothing but the sum total of moments.
  9. None but an emotionally balanced person keeps it under control.
  10. Nothing but education gives us the light of knowledge.
  11. None but the boys who work hard can shine in life.
  12. None but Allah can help us.
  13. None but he can solve this.
  14. None but a patriot can be so noble.
  15. None but he lives in the house. (Alternative: He lives in the house alone.)
  16. Nothing but poverty is the cause.
  17. None but the qualified candidates should apply for the post.
  18. None but he can play good cricket.
  19. None but the science students can apply for the post.
  20. None but they can do the work.
  21. None but he can speak English here.
  22. Nothing but the plainest food was eaten by him.
  23. None but the pure man in heart could be perfectly just

B. Neg: None but man is responsible for this pollution. 
Aff: Only man is responsible for this pollution.
1. None but he can stay. 2. None but the fool will say so. 3. None but the brave deserve the fair. 4. None but the freedom fighters will be allowed. 5. None but the meritorious students can get a chance to study here. 6. None but she is absent. 7. None but Shahajan, the Mughal Emperor, built it. 8. He had nothing but an old mansion. 9. Nothing but poverty is responsible for this. 10. Nothing but the soup was tasty. 11. Nothing but the sun is visible. 12. None but the science students can apply for the post. 13. None but a coward would say so. 14. None but the brave deserves the fair. 15. None but God will ever know what I suffered. 16. He whispered so softly that none but Julie heard him. 17. None but the wearer knows where the shoe pinches. 18. None but a wise man can employ leisure well. 19. A covetous man is good to none but worse to himself. 20. None but my mother fully understands my condition. 21. None but a dedicated scientist would want to read such a detailed report. 22. Put none but Americans on guard tonight. 23. None but he knew the truth. 24. None but the best is good enough for my child.

  1. Only he can stay.
  2. Only the fool will say so.
  3. Only the brave deserve the fair.
  4. Only the freedom fighters will be allowed.
  5. Only the meritorious students can get a chance to study here.
  6. Only she is absent.
  7. Only Shahjahan, the Mughal Emperor, built it.
  8. He had only an old mansion.
  9. Only poverty is responsible for this.
  10. Only the soup was tasty.
  11. Only the sun is visible.
  12. Only the science students can apply for the post.
  13. Only a coward would say so.
  14. Only the brave deserves the fair.
  15. Only God will ever know what I suffered.
  16. He whispered so softly that only Julie heard him.
  17. Only the wearer knows where the shoe pinches.
  18. Only a wise man can employ leisure well.
  19. A covetous man is good to only himself.
  20. Only my mother fully understands my condition.
  21. Only a dedicated scientist would want to read such a detailed report.
  22. Put only Americans on guard tonight.
  23. Only he knew the truth.
  24. Only the best is good enough for my child.

Only (number/age) replaced by not more than/not less than

A. Aff: I bought only a few chocolates for my daughter.  
Neg: I did not buy more than a few chocolates for my daughter.
1. He has only two handsets. 2. I have only one pen. 3. The duck had only one leg. 4. I will buy only a pair of shoes. 5. You came here only at four. 6. She has only one doll. 7. He has only ten marbles. 8. We have only one football. 9. Rana will sell only ten toys. 10. Only one person can use it at a time. 11. I have only six nails. 12. Jet planes were only a few years old. 13. The widow has only two goats of her own. 14. He is only four. 15. I had only one drink. 16. I need only a minute. 17. Tom had only one leg. 18. Tom spoke only French. 19. I guess it’s only a fair. 20. I only slept two hours. 21. I have only one sister. 22. He had only 100 dollars. 23. I have only a few books. 24. I slept only two hours. 25. I spent only three dollars. 26. I ate only three cakes. 27. He only ate one shrimp.

  1. He does not have more than two handsets.
  2. I do not have more than one pen.
  3. The duck did not have more than one leg.
  4. I will not buy more than a pair of shoes.
  5. You did not come here before four. (Alt: You did not come here earlier than four.)
  6. She does not have more than one doll.
  7. He does not have more than ten marbles.
  8. We do not have more than one football.
  9. Rana will not sell more than ten toys.
  10. Not more than one person can use it at a time.
  11. I do not have more than six nails.
  12. Jet planes were not more than a few years old.
  13. The widow does not have more than two goats of her own.
  14. He is not more than four (years old).
  15. I did not have more than one drink.
  16. I do not need more than a minute.
  17. Tom did not have more than one leg.
  18. Tom did not speak more than French. (Note: Meaning may vary; could also imply “only spoke French” as a skill rather than a number.)
  19. I guess it is not more than a fair.
  20. I did not sleep more than two hours.
  21. I do not have more than one sister.
  22. He did not have more than 100 dollars.
  23. I do not have more than a few books.
  24. I did not sleep more than two hours.
  25. I did not spend more than three dollars.
  26. I did not eat more than three cakes.
  27. He did not eat more than one shrimp.

B. Neg: You did not break less than two eggs.   

Aff: You broke only two eggs.

1. He does not take more than a meal in a day. 2. He did not bring more than a purse. 3. He is not more than 14 years old. 4. They are not more than ten years old. 5. She has not more than one daughter. 6. They have not more than two cars. 7. He did not travel with more than a dog for company. 8. The band did not sing more than five songs at the concert. 9. Mr. Siam did not write more than ten letters. 10. The insurance does not cover more than five days in the hospital. 11. Send in a good quality tape with not more than four songs. 12. Some were not more than motionless translucent blobs. 13. They were not more than survivals from the past. 14. The house is not more than ten minutes from the beach. 15. They are not supposed to take more than two weeks.

  1. He takes only a meal in a day.
  2. He brought only a purse.
  3. He is only 14 years old.
  4. They are only ten years old.
  5. She has only one daughter.
  6. They have only two cars.
  7. He traveled with only a dog for company.
  8. The band sang only five songs at the concert.
  9. Siam wrote only ten letters.
  10. The insurance covers only five days in the hospital.
  11. Send in a good quality tape with only four songs.
  12. Some were only motionless translucent blobs.
  13. They were only survivals from the past.
  14. The house is only ten minutes from the beach.
  15. They are supposed to take only two weeks.

Must/have to replaced by cannot but+ verb1 
Must/have to replaced by cannot help + verb1 + ing

A.  Aff: We must realize the fact.

Neg: We cannot but realize the fact. /We cannot help realizing the fact.
1. I must come forward against corruption. 2. He must go from one house to another. 3. We must protect them. 4. We must read many books other than text books. 5. We must educate our girls to forward the nation. 6. She must take care of me. 7. We must read many books other than text books. 8. You have to yield to your fate. 9. We have to obey our parents. 10. You must care for them. 11. You must yield to your fate. 12. I must go to the bathroom. 13. I have to go to the bathroom. 14. Children have to go to school. 15. You have to drive on the right. 16. Schoolchildren have to wear a uniform. 17. John has to wear a tie at work. 18. I must go now. 19. I must stop smoking. 20. You must visit us soon. 21. He must work harder. 22. I must do this right now. 23. I have to file reports every week. 24. We have to get up early. 25. She has to work hard yesterday. 26. They have to arrive early. 27. You have to arrive before 8. 28. They have to work so hard. 29. We have to work overtime. 30. She has to attend the presentation. 31. She must use such horrible language. 32. You must play with fire. 33. You must drive more than 25 mph. 34. The children must go into the street.

  1. I cannot but come forward against corruption. / I cannot help coming forward against corruption.
  2. He cannot but go from one house to another. / He cannot help going from one house to another.
  3. We cannot but protect them. / We cannot help protecting them.
  4. We cannot but read many books other than text books. / We cannot help reading many books other than text books.
  5. We cannot but educate our girls to forward the nation. / We cannot help educating our girls to forward the nation.
  6. She cannot but take care of me. / She cannot help taking care of me.
  7. We cannot but read many books other than text books. / We cannot help reading many books other than text books.
  8. You cannot but yield to your fate. / You cannot help yielding to your fate.
  9. We cannot but obey our parents. / We cannot help obeying our parents.
  10. You cannot but care for them. / You cannot help caring for them.
  11. You cannot but yield to your fate. / You cannot help yielding to your fate.
  12. I cannot but go to the bathroom. / I cannot help going to the bathroom.
  13. I cannot but go to the bathroom. / I cannot help going to the bathroom.
  14. Children cannot but go to school. / Children cannot help going to school.
  15. You cannot but drive on the right. / You cannot help driving on the right.
  16. Schoolchildren cannot but wear a uniform. / Schoolchildren cannot help wearing a uniform.
  17. John cannot but wear a tie at work. / John cannot help wearing a tie at work.
  18. I cannot but go now. / I cannot help going now.
  19. I cannot but stop smoking. / I cannot help stopping smoking.
  20. You cannot but visit us soon. / You cannot help visiting us soon.
  21. He cannot but work harder. / He cannot help working harder.
  22. I cannot but do this right now. / I cannot help doing this right now.
  23. I cannot but file reports every week. / I cannot help filing reports every week.
  24. We cannot but get up early. / We cannot help getting up early.
  25. She could not but work hard yesterday. / She could not help working hard yesterday.
  26. They cannot but arrive early. / They cannot help arriving early.
  27. You cannot but arrive before 8. / You cannot help arriving before 8.
  28. They cannot but work so hard. / They cannot help working so hard.
  29. We cannot but work overtime. / We cannot help working overtime.
  30. She cannot but attend the presentation. / She cannot help attending the presentation.
  31. She cannot but use such horrible language. / She cannot help using such horrible language.
  32. You cannot but play with fire. / You cannot help playing with fire.
  33. You cannot but drive more than 25 mph. / You cannot help driving more than 25 mph.
  34. The children cannot but go into the street. / The children cannot help going into the street.

B. Neg: We cannot but plant trees.

Neg: We cannot help planting trees.   
Aff: We must/have to plant trees.

1. You cannot but look after other people. 2. He cannot but help my brother. 3. You cannot but wear a cap. 4. We cannot but respect an honest man. 5. You cannot but respect your teacher. 6. We cannot but obey our parents. 7. He cannot but perform his duty. 8. You cannot but do the work. 9. I cannot but wonder about his methods of leadership. 10. People cannot but help the process. 11. I cannot but agree. 12. We cannot but take strong actions. 13. We cannot but maintain our initial position. 14. All this cannot but disturb us. 15. This cannot but make us doubt. 16. We cannot but point out the real intentions. 17. We cannot but express disappointment. 18. You cannot but agree. 19. It’s difficult to see cannot but in a sentence. 20. I cannot but assume. 21. You cannot but decide to acquit me. 22. The world cannot but shake its head. 23. We cannot but side with the members of NATO. 24. I cannot but see what mischiefs their interference. 25. Their behavior cannot but make people feel deeply disappointed. 26. I cannot but heed the opinion of such a respected body.

  1. You must look after other people. / You have to look after other people.
  2. He must help my brother. / He has to help my brother.
  3. You must wear a cap. / You have to wear a cap.
  4. We must respect an honest man. / We have to respect an honest man.
  5. You must respect your teacher. / You have to respect your teacher.
  6. We must obey our parents. / We have to obey our parents.
  7. He must perform his duty. / He has to perform his duty.
  8. You must do the work. / You have to do the work.
  9. I must wonder about his methods of leadership. / I have to wonder about his methods of leadership.
  10. People must help the process. / People have to help the process.
  11. I must agree. / I have to agree.
  12. We must take strong actions. / We have to take strong actions.
  13. We must maintain our initial position. / We have to maintain our initial position.
  14. All this must disturb us. / All this has to disturb us.
  15. This must make us doubt. / This has to make us doubt.
  16. We must point out the real intentions. / We have to point out the real intentions.
  17. We must express disappointment. / We have to express disappointment.
  18. You must agree. / You have to agree.
  19. It’s difficult to see must in a sentence. / It’s difficult to see have to in a sentence.
  20. I must assume. / I have to assume.
  21. You must decide to acquit me. / You have to decide to acquit me.
  22. The world must shake its head. / The world has to shake its head.
  23. We must side with the members of NATO. / We have to side with the members of NATO.
  24. I must see what mischiefs their interference. / I have to see what mischiefs their interference.
  25. Their behavior must make people feel deeply disappointed. / Their behavior has to make people feel deeply disappointed.
  26. I must heed the opinion of such a respected body. / I have to heed the opinion of such a respected body.

Had to replaced by could not but + verb1 

Had to replaced by could not help + verb1 + ing

A. Aff: I had to love my country.

Neg: I could not but love my country./I could not help loving my country.

1. We had to depend on it. 2. We had to leave it undone. 3. Nila had to drop the letter. 4. He had to write music. 5. They had to hate the selfish. 6. Rina had to tell a story. 7. I had to see a bird. 8. He had to like the bird. 9. Ali had to open the window. 10. Sabina had to sing a song. 11. The man had to buy a shirt. 12. There had to be more. 13. It had to be the new baby. 14. Even your parents had to come up to see you. 15. She had to stop thinking about the past that way. 16. She had to get a car as soon as possible. 17. She had to regain control. 18. She had to get back there and see what was in the building. 19. One way or another, she had to get into that building. 20. All this time he had to remain strong for his mother. 21. Something had to be done before he got them both killed. 22. I had to hail a taxi. 23. They had to edit the film. 24. He had to think for himself. 25. He had to pay a high rent for his farm. 26. We had to ration out the little that was left. 27. The police had to be called. 28. To defend myself, I had to tell a lie.

  1. We could not but depend on it. / We could not help depending on it.
  2. We could not but leave it undone. / We could not help leaving it undone.
  3. Nila could not but drop the letter. / Nila could not help dropping the letter.
  4. He could not but write music. / He could not help writing music.
  5. They could not but hate the selfish. / They could not help hating the selfish.
  6. Rina could not but tell a story. / Rina could not help telling a story.
  7. I could not but see a bird. / I could not help seeing a bird.
  8. He could not but like the bird. / He could not help liking the bird.
  9. Ali could not but open the window. / Ali could not help opening the window.
  10. Sabina could not but sing a song. / Sabina could not help singing a song.
  11. The man could not but buy a shirt. / The man could not help buying a shirt.
  12. There could not but be more. / There could not help being more.
  13. It could not but be the new baby. / It could not help being the new baby.
  14. Even your parents could not but come up to see you. / Even your parents could not help coming up to see you.
  15. She could not but stop thinking about the past that way. / She could not help stopping thinking about the past that way.
  16. She could not but get a car as soon as possible. / She could not help getting a car as soon as possible.
  17. She could not but regain control. / She could not help regaining control.
  18. She could not but get back there and see what was in the building. / She could not help getting back there and seeing what was in the building.
  19. One way or another, she could not but get into that building. / One way or another, she could not help getting into that building.
  20. All this time he could not but remain strong for his mother. / All this time he could not help remaining strong for his mother.
  21. Something could not but be done before he got them both killed. / Something could not help being done before he got them both killed.
  22. I could not but hail a taxi. / I could not help hailing a taxi.
  23. They could not but edit the film. / They could not help editing the film.
  24. He could not but think for himself. / He could not help thinking for himself.
  25. He could not but pay a high rent for his farm. / He could not help paying a high rent for his farm.
  26. We could not but ration out the little that was left. / We could not help rationing out the little that was left.
  27. The police could not but be called. / The police could not help being called.
  28. To defend myself, I could not but tell a lie. / To defend myself, I could not help telling a lie.

B. Neg: He could not but decide to teach the English a lesson.  
Aff: He had to decide to teach the English a lesson. 
1. He could not but struggle against the English. 2. He could not but feel pity for the lion. 3. We could not but educate our girls. 4. We cannot but love everyone. 5. We could not but plant trees. 6. We had to protect them. 7. We could not but read books to gain knowledge. 8. He could not but sell the Judge 10% of his shares. 9. They could not but bury their roots. 10. We could not but fight for this democracy. 11. Things could not but change. 12. We could not but sleep in the warehouse.

  1. He had to struggle against the English.
  2. He had to feel pity for the lion.
  3. We had to educate our girls.
  4. We had to love everyone.
  5. We had to plant trees.
  6. We had to protect them.
  7. We had to read books to gain knowledge.
  8. He had to sell the Judge 10% of his shares.
  9. They had to bury their roots.
  10. We had to fight for this democracy.
  11. Things had to change.
  12. We had to sleep in the warehouse.

Every(body/one/noun) replaced by There is no (body/one/noun)….. but + verb

A. Aff: Everybody distrusts a liar.
Neg: There is no body but distrusts a liar. 
Neg: There is no body who does not distrust a liar. 

1. Everybody is conscious of health. 2. Everybody wants a friend. 3. Everybody disliked him. 4. Every living thing needs pure air. 5. Every nation can prosper by giving importance to education. 6. Every patriot works sincerely and honestly in normal course of life. 7. Every student is helped by our teachers. 8. Every student needs a computer. 9. Every woman likes it. 10. Everybody admires him. 11. Everybody attends a Baishakhi Mela. 12. Everybody dislikes him. 13. Everybody in our village loves him. 14. Everybody in our village loves him. 15. Everybody loves him. 16. Everybody should be conscious of his health. 17. Everyone lives in society. 18. Everyone can prosper in life with industry. 19. Everyone will admit this. 20. Everybody hates a liar. 21. Everybody hates a liar. 22. Everybody obeys the will of God. 23. Everyone likes a flower. 24. Every man wants to be crowned with success. 25. Every rose has a thorn. 26. Every building has iron. 27. Every cloud has a silver lining. 28. Every tree is known by its fruits.

  1. There is nobody but is conscious of health. / There is nobody who does not be conscious of health.
  2. There is nobody but wants a friend. / There is nobody who does not want a friend.
  3. There is nobody but disliked him. / There is nobody who did not dislike him.
  4. There is no living thing but needs pure air. / There is no living thing that does not need pure air.
  5. There is no nation but can prosper by giving importance to education. / There is no nation that cannot prosper by giving importance to education.
  6. There is no patriot but works sincerely and honestly in normal course of life. / There is no patriot who does not work sincerely and honestly in normal course of life.
  7. There is no student but is helped by our teachers. / There is no student who is not helped by our teachers.
  8. There is no student but needs a computer. / There is no student who does not need a computer.
  9. There is no woman but likes it. / There is no woman who does not like it.
  10. There is nobody but admires him. / There is nobody who does not admire him.
  11. There is nobody but attends a Baishakhi Mela. / There is nobody who does not attend a Baishakhi Mela.
  12. There is nobody but dislikes him. / There is nobody who does not dislike him.
  13. There is nobody in our village but loves him. / There is nobody in our village who does not love him.
  14. There is nobody in our village but loves him. / There is nobody in our village who does not love him.
  15. There is nobody but loves him. / There is nobody who does not love him.
  16. There is nobody but should be conscious of his health. / There is nobody who should not be conscious of his health.
  17. There is no one but lives in society. / There is no one who does not live in society.
  18. There is no one but can prosper in life with industry. / There is no one who cannot prosper in life with industry.
  19. There is no one but will admit this. / There is no one who will not admit this.
  20. There is nobody but hates a liar. / There is nobody who does not hate a liar.
  21. There is nobody but hates a liar. / There is nobody who does not hate a liar.
  22. There is nobody but obeys the will of God. / There is nobody who does not obey the will of God.
  23. There is no one but likes a flower. / There is no one who does not like a flower.
  24. There is no man but wants to be crowned with success. / There is no man who does not want to be crowned with success.
  25. There is no rose but has a thorn. / There is no rose that does not have a thorn.
  26. There is no building but has iron. / There is no building that does not have iron.
  27. There is no cloud but has a silver lining. / There is no cloud that does not have a silver lining.
  28. There is no tree but is known by its fruits. / There is no tree that is not known by its fruits.

B.  Neg: There is no one in the school but likes her.

Neg: There is no one in the school who does not like her.
Aff: Everyone in the school likes her.
1. There is no one but learns many things by watching television. 2. There is nobody but likes his magic spell. 3. There is nobody but supported the freedom fighters. 4. There is nobody but works hard to gain his object. 5. There is nobody but needs pure air. 6. There is no mother but loves a child. 7. There is nobody but wants to be happy. 8. There is no one but hates a terrorist.

  1. Everyone learns many things by watching television.
  2. Everybody likes his magic spell.
  3. Everybody supported the freedom fighters.
  4. Everybody works hard to gain his object.
  5. Everybody needs pure air.
  6. Every mother loves a child.
  7. Everybody wants to be happy.
  8. Everyone hates a terrorist.

By+gerund replaced by Without+gerund (negative)

A. Aff: By giving love to others, you can receive it.  

Neg: Without giving love to others, you cannot receive it.
1. By working hard, they can remove their condition. 2. By reading books, we can enrich our minds. 3. By working hard, one can shine. 4. By studying attentively, you can get A+. 5. By writing regularly, you can avoid your mistakes. 6. By taking exercises, you will be able to keep fit. 7. By watching TV, we can gather knowledge. 8. By playing well, you can get a reward. 9. By working hard, they can remove their condition. 10. By studying attentively, you can get A+. 11. By writing regularly, you can avoid your mistakes. 12. One can prosper in life by working hard. 13. One can communicate with others by using a language. 14. However, this problem can be solved by adopting some pragmatic steps.

  1. Without working hard, they cannot remove their condition.
  2. Without reading books, we cannot enrich our minds.
  3. Without working hard, one cannot shine.
  4. Without studying attentively, you cannot get A+.
  5. Without writing regularly, you cannot avoid your mistakes.
  6. Without taking exercises, you will not be able to keep fit.
  7. Without watching TV, we cannot gather knowledge.
  8. Without playing well, you cannot get a reward.
  9. Without working hard, they cannot remove their condition.
  10. Without studying attentively, you cannot get A+.
  11. Without writing regularly, you cannot avoid your mistakes.
  12. Without working hard, one cannot prosper in life.
  13. Without using a language, one cannot communicate with others.
  14. However, this problem cannot be solved without adopting some pragmatic steps.


B. Neg: Without studying hard, she will not get A+.
Aff: By studying hard, she will get A+.
1. Without taking vegetables, you cannot keep your body sound. 2. Without discussing the problem, you cannot solve it. 3. Without doing it, you cannot go to sleep. 4. Without learning English, we cannot hope to get any job. 5. Without practicing much, you can’t show better performance. 6. Without discussing the problem, you cannot solve it. 7. Without learning English, we cannot hope to get any job. 8. None can receive any reward without working hard. 9. Life becomes dull without taking recreation.

  1. By taking vegetables, you can keep your body sound.
  2. By discussing the problem, you can solve it.
  3. By doing it, you can go to sleep.
  4. By learning English, we can hope to get any job.
  5. By practicing much, you can show better performance.
  6. By discussing the problem, you can solve it.
  7. By learning English, we can hope to get any job.
  8. By working hard, one can receive a reward.
  9. By taking recreation, life becomes cheerful.

Superlative degree replaced by Positive degree

A. Aff: He was the fastest runner. 
Neg: No other runner was as/so fast as he.

1. He is the best player. 2. It was the happiest animal in the world. 3. My friend Paul is the best boy in the class. 4. Kazi Nazrul is one of the best writers. 5. Cox’s Bazar is one of the longest sea beaches in the world. 6. He is the noblest person. 7. Iron is one of the most useful metals. 8. Swimming is the best exercise. 9. Sundarbans is the largest mangrove forest. 10. Dhaka is the largest city in Bangladesh. 11. Poverty is one of the greatest problems in our country. 12. Corruption is one of the most dangerous weapons to destroy a society. 13. At present, cricket is one of the most popular games in our country.

  1. No other player is as good as he.
  2. No other animal in the world was as happy as it.
  3. No other boy in the class is as good as my friend Paul.
  4. Very few writers are as good as Kazi Nazrul.
  5. Very few sea beaches in the world are as long as Cox’s Bazar.
  6. No other person is as noble as he.
  7. Very few metals are as useful as iron.
  8. No other exercise is as good as swimming.
  9. No other mangrove forest is as large as the Sundarbans.
  10. No other city in Bangladesh is as large as Dhaka.
  11. Very few problems in our country are as great as poverty.
  12. Very few weapons to destroy a society are as dangerous as corruption.
  13. Very few games in our country are as popular as cricket at present.

B. Neg: No other poet was as great as Kazi Nazrul Islam.
Aff: Kazi Nazrul Islam was the greatest poet.
1. No other city in Bangladesh is so big as Dhaka. 2. No other city in Bangladesh is so large as Dhaka. 3. Very few boys in the class are as bad as he. 4. No other man in the village is so wise as he. 5. No other spinner in Bangladesh is as perfect as Rafiq. 6. No other country is as populous as she. 7. Very few countries in the world are as populous as it. 8. Very few rivers in Bangladesh are as big as the Padma. 9. Very few problems are as big as the price hike for them. 10. Very few sea beaches are as beautiful as it. 11. Very few insects are as busy as the bee.

  1. Dhaka is the biggest city in Bangladesh.
  2. Dhaka is the largest city in Bangladesh.
  3. He is the worst boy in the class.
  4. He is the wisest man in the village.
  5. Rafiq is the most perfect spinner in Bangladesh.
  6. She is the most populous country.
  7. It is one of the most populous countries in the world.
  8. The Padma is one of the biggest rivers in Bangladesh.
  9. The price hike is one of the biggest problems for them.
  10. It is one of the most beautiful sea beaches.
  11. The bee is one of the busiest insects.

As soon as replaced by No sooner had……verb3……than

A. Aff: As soon as he saw me, he ran away.
Neg: No sooner had he seen me than he ran away.
1. As soon as I reached the station, the train left. 2. As soon as the teacher came, there was silence. 3. As soon as she heard the news, she burst into tears. 4. As soon as he saw it, he showed me. 5. As soon as she arrived home, the telephone rang. 6. As soon as we reached the station, the train left. 7. As soon as the students came to college, the bell rang. 8. As soon as we started for college, the rain started. 9. As soon as he saw me, he ran away swiftly. 10. As soon as the police marked the thief, he ran away. 11. As soon as the thief saw the police, he ran away.

  1. No sooner had I reached the station than the train left.
  2. No sooner had the teacher come than there was silence.
  3. No sooner had she heard the news than she burst into tears.
  4. No sooner had he seen it than he showed me.
  5. No sooner had she arrived home than the telephone rang.
  6. No sooner had we reached the station than the train left.
  7. No sooner had the students come to college than the bell rang.
  8. No sooner had we started for college than the rain started.
  9. No sooner had he seen me than he ran away swiftly.
  10. No sooner had the police marked the thief than he ran away.
  11. No sooner had the thief seen the police than he ran away.

B. Neg: No sooner had the rain stopped than they left the shelter.
Aff: As soon as the rain stopped, they left the shelter.
1. No sooner had we reached the station than the train left. 2. No sooner had the man seen than he ran away. 3. No sooner had the thief seen the police than the thief fled away from the spot. 4. No sooner had we reached the college than the rain started. 5. No sooner had she finished one project than she started the next. 6. No sooner had I eaten the fish than I started feeling sick. 7. No sooner had we heard the noise than we rushed to the spot. 8. No sooner had I closed my eyes than I fell asleep. 9. No sooner had she read the letter than she started crying. 10. No sooner had I seen Jim than he started laughing. 11. No sooner had we entered the room than the lights were off.

  1. As soon as we reached the station, the train left.
  2. As soon as the man saw, he ran away.
  3. As soon as the thief saw the police, he fled away from the spot.
  4. As soon as we reached the college, the rain started.
  5. As soon as she finished one project, she started the next.
  6. As soon as I ate the fish, I started feeling sick.
  7. As soon as we heard the noise, we rushed to the spot.
  8. As soon as I closed my eyes, I fell asleep.
  9. As soon as she read the letter, she started crying.
  10. As soon as I saw Jim, he started laughing.
  11. As soon as we entered the room, the lights were off.

too……to + verb1 replaced by so……that + sub + can/could (not) + verb1

A. Aff: The tea is too hot to be drunk. 
Neg: The tea is so hot that it can’t be drunk.
1. This fact is too evident to require proof. 2. Any branch of knowledge is too difficult to be conquered by perseverance. 3. He is too honest to accept a bribe. 4. This is too small a thing to put down. 5. He is too old to get the job. 6. He is too weak to move. 7. The writer was too poor to maintain his family. 8. The boy was too clever to cope with him. 9. John is too poor to help her. 10. We are too late to reach there in time. 11. The old man was too weak to walk. 12. I am too confused to do it. 13. It is too heavy for her to carry. 14. He is too dull to pass in the exam. 15. He was too short to touch it. 16. He is too young to take the responsibilities.

  1. This fact is so evident that it cannot require proof.
  2. Any branch of knowledge is so difficult that it cannot be conquered by perseverance.
  3. He is so honest that he cannot accept a bribe.
  4. This is so small a thing that it cannot be put down.
  5. He is so old that he cannot get the job.
  6. He is so weak that he cannot move.
  7. The writer was so poor that he could not maintain his family.
  8. The boy was so clever that no one could cope with him.
  9. John is so poor that he cannot help her.
  10. We are so late that we cannot reach there in time.
  11. The old man was so weak that he could not walk.
  12. I am so confused that I cannot do it.
  13. It is so heavy that she cannot carry it.

B. Neg: The old man was so tired that he could not walk.
Aff: The old man was too tired to walk.
1. The old man was so thirsty that he could not talk. 2. The box is so heavy that I can’t carry it. 3. The baby was so little that he could not walk. 4. The box is so old that it cannot be used. 5. The problem is so difficult that I cannot solve it. 6. He is so poor that he cannot send his children to school. 7. The puzzle was so difficult that I could not solve it. 8. He is so strong that you cannot beat him. 9. He is so stupid that he will not pass the test. 10. He is so old that he cannot walk without support. 11. She was so distressed that she could not answer my questions.

  1. The old man was too thirsty to talk.
  2. The box is too heavy to carry.
  3. The baby was too little to walk.
  4. The box is too old to be used.
  5. The problem is too difficult to solve.
  6. He is too poor to send his children to school.
  7. The puzzle was too difficult to solve.
  8. He is too strong to be beaten.
  9. He is too stupid to pass the test.
  10. He is too old to walk without support.
  11. She was too distressed to answer my questions.

as/so ……. as replaced by not less……than

A. Aff: He was as ferocious as a tiger.
Neg: He was not less ferocious than a tiger.
1. Opu is as tall as Nuru. 2. Bela is as intelligent as Abul. 3. Sorrow is as strong as hunger. 4. Oranges are not as cheap as apples. 5. It is as big as the Buriganga. 6. He is as good as his brother. 7. London is as big as Oxford. 8. A mobile phone is more useful than a computer. 9. They are as stout as we. 10. He is as attentive as Dana. 11. Dana is as smart as Parul. 12. She is as beautiful as her older sister. 13. Jamil is as handsome as Saikat. 14. It is as ugly as a crow. 15. You are as clear as he. 16. You are as sincere as Munna.

  1. Opu is not less tall than Nuru.
  2. Bela is not less intelligent than Abul.
  3. Sorrow is not less strong than hunger.
  4. Oranges are not less cheap than apples.
  5. It is not less big than the Buriganga.
  6. He is not less good than his brother.
  7. London is not less big than Oxford.
  8. A mobile phone is not less useful than a computer.
  9. They are not less stout than we.
  10. He is not less attentive than Dana.
  11. Dana is not less smart than Parul.
  12. She is not less beautiful than her older sister.
  13. Jamil is not less handsome than Saikat.
  14. It is not less ugly than a crow.
  15. You are not less clear than he.
  16. You are not less sincere than Munna.

B. Neg: The cow is not less useful than a donkey. 
Aff: The cow is as useful as a donkey.
1. He was not less short than she. 2. Riches are not less important than honesty. 3. E-mail is not less cheap than telex. 4. The cuckoo is not less clever than the crow. 5. The cow is not less useful than the goat. 6. Peter is not less clever than Rana. 7. Health is less important than wealth. 8. Blood is not less thick than water. 9. He is not less tall than Mr. Hulas. 10. He is not less intelligent than this boy. 11. His new book is not less interesting than his earlier books. 12. I am not less interested than Rani in cricket.

  1. He was as short as she.
  2. Riches are as important as honesty.
  3. E-mail is as cheap as telex.
  4. The cuckoo is as clever as the crow.
  5. The cow is as useful as the goat.
  6. Peter is as clever as Rana.
  7. Health is as important as wealth.
  8. Blood is as thick as water.
  9. He is as tall as Mr. Hulas.
  10. He is as intelligent as this boy.
  11. His new book is as interesting as his earlier books.
  12. I am as interested as Rani in cricket.

Both …… and/as well as/and replaced by Not only ……. but also

A. Aff: He is both a good student and a singer.

Neg:  He is not only a good student but also a singer.
1. Both Rubaba and Smrity were obedient. 2. Miraz as well as Ebon is a very good cricketer. 3. The plot moved both swiftly and artfully throughout the movie. 4. Neela was both a singer and a dancer. 5. Mayesha both likes and recommends the movie. 6. Both Monir and Maruf prefer cricket to classical music. 7. The match is being shown both at GTV and Channel 9. 8. The directors wanted both to win and to receive recognition for their work. 9. Both Rahim and Karim went there. 10. The freedom fighters are both honorable and remembered. 11. The producers ended up both extending and expanding their filming hours. 12. I as well as Rana went to school. 13. We as well as Dana did this. 14. Both the movie and the play were good. 15. I liked both the movie and the play. 16. The actors were both engaging and skillful in their performances.

  1. Rubaba was not only obedient but also Smrity.
  2. Miraz is not only a very good cricketer but also Ebon.
  3. The plot moved not only swiftly but also artfully throughout the movie.
  4. Neela was not only a singer but also a dancer.
  5. Mayesha not only likes but also recommends the movie.
  6. Monir not only prefers cricket but also Maruf prefers it to classical music.
  7. The match is being shown not only at GTV but also at Channel 9.
  8. The directors wanted not only to win but also to receive recognition for their work.
  9. Rahim went not only there but also Karim.
  10. The freedom fighters are not only honorable but also remembered.
  11. The producers ended up not only extending but also expanding their filming hours.
  12. I went to school not only as well as Rana.
  13. We did this not only as well as Dana.
  14. The movie was not only good but also the play.
  15. I liked not only the movie but also the play.
  16. The actors were not only engaging but also skillful in their performances.

B. Neg: He is not only a cheat but also arrogant.
Aff: He is both a cheat and  arrogant.

1. I am weak not only at English but also at Mathematics. 2. Shakespeare was not only a dramatist but also an actor. 3. She is not only rich but also famous. 4. He visited not only France but also Switzerland. 5. He was not only upset but also angry. 6. The place was not only good but also safe. 7. She speaks not only English but also French. 8. She not only speaks English but also French. 9. She was not only sad but also angry. 10. They not only need food but also shelter. 11. Not only do they need food, but they also need shelter. 12. Not only they need food, they also need shelter. 13. He not only insulted her in front of her friends but also threatened to beat her up. 14. Not only was she sad, she was also angry. 15. She is not only a good wife but also a good mother.

  1. I am both weak at English and Mathematics.
  2. Shakespeare was both a dramatist and an actor.
  3. She is both rich and famous.
  4. He visited both France and Switzerland.
  5. He was both upset and angry.
  6. The place was both good and safe.
  7. She speaks both English and French.
  8. She speaks both English and French.
  9. She was both sad and angry.
  10. They need both food and shelter.
  11. They need both food and shelter.
  12. They need both food and shelter.
  13. He insulted her in front of her friends and also threatened to beat her up.
  14. She was both sad and angry.
  15. She is both a good wife and a good mother.

Ways of changing negative from affirmative

1.  auxiliary verb + n’t      and    opposite word
Simple present: Sub + do not/does not+verb1……….
Simple past: Sub + did not +verb1……….
N.B.: Use at all avoiding very and very much
always/ever=never,  any=no,  sometimes=often

A. 1. He was a kind man. 2. He is a regular student. 3. They are honest and pious. 4. So, we should be honest in our life. 5. He is loved by everybody. 6. He was unmarried. 7. Day-to-day life in Dhaka is expensive. 8. It lives together. 9. A healthy man is an asset to his family. 10. A good student should be conscious of politics. 11. A tea stall is a crowded place. 12. A life with an assignment is an actual life. 13. An unhealthy man is only a liability to his family. 14. Money is essential in our life. 15. Cox’s Bazar sea beach is a beautiful place. 16. E-mail is used for important purposes. 17. E-mail is a latest messaging system. 18. Day-to-day life in Dhaka is expensive. 19. This was an extraordinary ship. 20. A patriot is respected by all. 21. Man is mortal. 22. The Titanic was regarded as unsinkable. 23. I shall remember you. 24. She acted foolishly. 25. Dhaka is an old city. 26. But mountaineers are courageous people. 27. English is easy. 28. I am your enemy/foe. 29. They solved their problem wisely.

  1. He was not a kind man.
  2. He is not a regular student.
  3. They are not honest and pious.
  4. So, we should not be dishonest in our life.
  5. He is not loved by everybody.
  6. He was not unmarried.
  7. Day-to-day life in Dhaka is not inexpensive.
  8. It does not live separately.
  9. A healthy man is not a liability to his family.
  10. A good student should not be unconscious of politics.
  11. A tea stall is not an uncrowded place.
  12. A life with an assignment is not an unreal life.
  13. An unhealthy man is not an asset to his family.
  14. Money is not unessential in our life.
  15. Cox’s Bazar sea beach is not an ugly place.
  16. E-mail is not used for unimportant purposes.
  17. E-mail is not an outdated messaging system.
  18. Day-to-day life in Dhaka is not cheap.
  19. This was not an ordinary ship.
  20. A patriot is not disrespected by all.
  21. Man is not immortal.
  22. The Titanic was not regarded as sinkable.
  23. I shall not forget you.
  24. She did not act wisely.
  25. Dhaka is not a new city.
  26. But mountaineers are not cowardly people.
  27. English is not difficult.
  28. I am not your friend.
  29. They did not solve their problem unwisely.

 

Ways of changing Negative to Assertive

1. Remove negation such as  no, not/n’t, never, nothing, nobody, no one
Simple Present: Subject + verb1                               

Simple past: Subject + verb
2. Use opposite word
N.B.: Use very and very much avoiding at all 

Never = always/ever, no = any, often = sometimes

1. He is not dull. 2. She is not ugly. 3. Her tongue is not smooth. 4. The treatment is not complete. 5. She is not guilty. 6. She was not unhappy. 7. Nobody was absent. 8. English is not difficult. 9. The poor fisherman agreed to his term. 10. It was not the wrong thing to do. 11. Farmers are not living in the town. 12. Feroza did not come of a rich family. 13. Hazi Muhammad Muhsin was not an unkind man. 14. Frugality is not a bad habit. 15. The children will not discontinue this work. 16. The dancers are not female. 17. Hamidur has not many bad friends. 18. Fresh air is not unnecessary for existence. 19. He is not a man of low profile. 20. He is not an irregular student of class Ten. 21. He is not insincere to his duties. 22. He is not weak and inactive. 23. He is not dishonest and insincere. 24. He is not inattentive to his studies. 25. He does not keep bad company. 26. He did live a luxurious life and take much food. 27. He did not dislike sea. 28. He did not pass his early life in happiness. 29. It is not improbable that he will arrive. 30. He is not incompetent for the post. 31. He was not a cruel man. 32. He was not truthful. 33. He was not a fool. 34. He was not born in a poor family. 35. He was not born in an uneducated family. 36. He was not in a poor dress. 37. But this is not possible now. 38. He was not cruel. 39. Her parents did not dislike her at all. 40. Her father is not a rich farmer. 41. It is not a comparable creation. 42. It is not a human act. 43. It is not a beautiful bird. 44. It does not live alone. 45. It is not feeble. 46. It is not good for health. 47. It is not behind our kitchen. 48. It doesn’t look beautiful. 49. It is not hard to operate at all. 50. He was not an unkind man at all.

  1. He is bright.
  2. She is beautiful.
  3. Her tongue is smooth.
  4. The treatment is complete.
  5. She is guilty.
  6. She was happy.
  7. Everybody was present.
  8. English is easy.
  9. The poor fisherman agreed to his term.
  10. It was the right thing to do.
  11. Farmers are living in the town.
  12. Feroza came of a rich family.
  13. Hazi Muhammad Muhsin was a kind man.
  14. Frugality is a good habit.
  15. The children will continue this work.
  16. The dancers are male.
  17. Hamidur has many good friends.
  18. Fresh air is necessary for existence.
  19. He is a man of high profile.
  20. He is a regular student of class Ten.
  21. He is sincere to his duties.
  22. He is strong and active.
  23. He is honest and sincere.
  24. He is attentive to his studies.
  25. He keeps good company.
  26. He lived a simple life and took moderate food.
  27. He liked the sea.
  28. He passed his early life in happiness.
  29. It is probable that he will arrive.
  30. He is competent for the post.
  31. He was a kind man.
  32. He was truthful.
  33. He was wise.
  34. He was born in a rich family.
  35. He was born in an educated family.
  36. He was in a fine dress.
  37. But this is possible now.
  38. He was kind.
  39. Her parents liked her very much.
  40. Her father is a rich farmer.
  41. It is a comparable creation.
  42. It is a human act.
  43. It is a beautiful bird.
  44. It lives with others.
  45. It is strong.
  46. It is good for health.
  47. It is in front of our kitchen.
  48. It looks beautiful.
  49. It is easy to operate.
  50. He was a kind man.

Some Common Opposite Words

Main word

Opposite word

Main

word

Opposite

word

Sincere

Insincere

Real

Unreal

Punctual

Late

Hard

Easy

Literate

Illiterate

Respon

sible

Irrespons

ible

Possible

Impossible

Doubtful

Sure

Pleased

Displeased

Remember

Forget

Honesty

Dishonesty

Honour

Dishonor

Good

Bad

Honest

Dishonest

Regular

Irregular

Moral

Immoral

Active

Inactive

Pleasant

Unpleasant

Mortal

Immortal

Comfort

able

Uncomfor

table

Willing

Unwilling

Obey

Disobey

Solvent

Insolvent

Right

Wrong

Fact

Fiction

Safe

Unsafe

Young

Old

Sorrow

Joy

Rise

Fall

Import

Export

Equal

Unequal

Correct

Incorrect

Arrive

Depart

Fat

Thin

Depend

ent

Independ

ent

Liable

Asset

Lazy

Active

Clean

Dirty

Kind

Unkind

Quickly

Slowly

Different

Similar

Mad

Sane

Polite

Impolite

Wise

Unwise

New

Old

Correctly

Incorrectly

Abundant

Scarce

Appear

Disappear

Accurate

Inaccurate

Artificial

Natural

Advan

tage

Disadvan

tage

Bent

Straight

Admit

Deny

Lend

Borrow

Alive

Dead

Build

Destroy

Ancient

Modern

Boundless

Limited

Attractive

Repulsive

Captive

Free

Awake

Asleep

Common

Rare

Cheerful

Sad

Feeble

Strong

Harsh

Mild

Intelligent

Stupid

Perma

nent

Temporary

Private

Public

Patient

Impatient

Serious

Trivial

Shallow

Deep

Strict

Lenient

Take

Give

Zenith 

Nadir

War

Peace

Visible

Invisible

Absent

Present

Obedient

Disobedi

ent

Happy

Unhappy

Fertile

Barren

Grateful

Ungrateful

Valid

Invalid

Love

Hate

Top

Bottom

Rich

Poor

Freedom

Bondage

Present

Absent

Able

Unable

Wise

Unwise

Reason

able

Unreason

able

Friend

Foe/enemy

favorable

Unfavor

able

Always

Never

Early

Late

Ordinary

Extraordi

nary

Push

Pull

Necessary

Unnecessary

Fortunate

Unfortunate

Smooth

Unsmooth

Loyal

Disloyal

Apart

Together

Optimist

Pessimist

Ascend

Descend

Impure

Pure

Blame

Praise

Satisfactory

Unsatisfac

tory

Bless

Curse

Tame

Wild

Bitter

Sweet

Zip

Unzip

Brighten

Fade

Voluntary

Compulsory

Cheap

Expensive

Clever

Stupid

Exceptional rules

Affirmative Negative
a. He is the only boy of 15. No other boy than/but he is of 15.
b. I read only English. I read no other subject than English.
c. Water is liquid. Water is neither solid nor gaseous.
d. Milk is white. Milk has no other colour without white.
e. Iron is solid. Iron is neither liquid nor gaseous.
f. Where there is fire, there is smoke.  There is no smoke without fire.
g. He tried all plans. He left no stone unturned.
h. He has given up smoking for good. He will never smoke again.
i. He is less ugly than you said. He is not as ugly as you said. 
j. You are less good than he said. You are not as good as he said.
k. He has left the village forever. He will never come to his village again.
l. All must submit to death. No one can escape death.
m. Where there is fire, there is smoke.  There is no smoke without fire.
n. I am unable to attend their needs. I cannot attend their needs.
o. I missed the train. I could not catch the train.
p. Everyone admits that he is a good musician. No one can deny that he is a good musician.
q. Everybody will admit that I am right. Nobody will deny that I am right.
r. It is often difficult in company to speak frankly. It is not always easy in company to speak frankly.
s. I refused to wait any longer. I would not wait any longer.
t. More attacks followed. This was not his last attack.
u. I was doubtful if he would come. I was not sure that he would come.
v. He always minds his lessons. He never neglects his lessons.
w. It always pours when it rains. It never rains but pours.
x. You are the only person fit for the post. No other person but you are fit for the post.
y. I come here for the last time. Never again I shall come here.
z. In all respects this morning was like any other. This morning did not differ from any other in any respect.
aa. He will go only under compulsion. He will go unless he is compelled.
bb. Chance and accidents are only aliases of ignorance. Chance and accidents are nothing but aliases of ignorance.
cc. Jim was always on time. Jim never late.
dd. I saw only but husks and dust in the bag. I saw nothing in the bag but husks and dust.
ee. It was the only school for males. There was no other school for males.
ff. A little boy is always innocent.. A little boy is never guilty.
gg. There are many people here. There are not a few people here.
hh. We sold a little honey. We did not sell much honey.
ii. I come here for the last time. I shall never come here
jj. Then I saw him last. I have never seen him since then.
kk. I warn you for the last time. I shall never warn you.
ll. I have given up smoking forever. I shall never smoke again.
mm. He came here for the last time. He never came here again.

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