I've been in an argument with a person who insists that the phrases "definitely not" and "absolutely not" aren't in the correct grammar... Any pointers on this one?
2006-11-02 15:32:58 · 11 answers · asked by kallelle_ck 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
One thought is that “absolutely” and “definitely” intensify the words they modify, and because “not” means “to no degree”, you cannot intensify nothingness.
In other words, you cannot intensify (or increase the degrees of) something that has not degrees.
“Not” by definition is absolute; it can’t be absolutely absolute.
2006-11-03 09:51:29 · answer #1 · answered by d-train 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only thing I can see is that "absolutely" and "definitely" might be construed to be redundant.
"Is not" or "are not" are complete. You cannot say that something is 'a little bit' not, or is 'a lot' not. It is or it is not. Therefore, "absolutely" and "definitely" are excess baggage and not neccessary.
I know that they are both commonly used, but we throw a lot of extra words into our language nowadays. I think that most times it is to over-emphasise in order to impress.
A case in point is the use of phrases like ; "He gave 110% effort in everthing he did!" The percentages over a hundred per cent have been used so much that they don't mean anything any more. They never made sense in the first place; they were just used for emphasis.
I have "absolutely" had my say, and will "definitely" bid you Adieu!
2006-11-03 00:19:16 · answer #2 · answered by Donald G 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd say it is correct because the word "absolutely" isn't modifying the word "not." What it's modifying is understood from the context.
For example, if someone asks you, "Are you going to the show?" and you reply, "Absolutely not," then absolutely is modifying the word "going."
If I ask, "Is it true?" and you reply "Absolutely not," then it is modifying the word "true."
Am I a grammar expert? Absolutely not, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express once.
2006-11-03 00:03:46 · answer #3 · answered by jerrydba 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well the first words are adverbs that can only describe verbs and other adverbs, im not reaally sure how to catoregize the word not, it should say what type of word it is in the dictionary though
ya it should be fine cuz the word not shows action it states that your not going to do something so it would have to have the properties of a verb it would be grammatically correct
2006-11-02 23:37:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definite implies that it will never change. The sky is definitely not going to turn green.
Absolutely not is more like when you are trying to get permission for something.
You are absolutely not allowed to drive the car to school!
2006-11-02 23:38:15 · answer #5 · answered by neona807 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think the person is saying that definately (means a sure thing, then you add (not), meaning NO, (yes,no)? Same with the two words, absolutely not,........
But regardless, or irregardless it is acceptable grammar...
2006-11-02 23:41:09 · answer #6 · answered by mom of a boy and girl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like someone else said, I think it depends on the sentance. Perhaps "absolutely is/are not" and "absolutely is/are not" is more proper?
2006-11-02 23:38:07 · answer #7 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm pretty sure they're fine to use.
Depends on the sentence I think.
2006-11-02 23:35:48 · answer #8 · answered by Psyche 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There seems to more than just a grammatical error here...
2006-11-02 23:35:30 · answer #9 · answered by deevoonay 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are fine, but it depends in what context you use them. HTH.
2006-11-02 23:45:53 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋