didn't you vs did you not

Both "didn't you" and "did you not" are correct constructions in English, but "didn't you" is more commonly used in everyday language. Both phrases are used to form negative questions, with "didn't you" being the more natural and informal choice.

Last updated: April 08, 2024 • 609 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"didn't you"

This phrase is used to form negative questions in a more informal and natural way.

Examples:

Didn't you go to the party last night?
Didn't you like the movie?
Didn't you hear what I said?
Didn't you finish your homework?
Didn't you see the sign?

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You kidnapped that prisoner, didn't you?
Why didn't you wait for me...
Why didn't you bring something?
Why didn't you bring more ammunition?
Why didn't you explain what happened?
Why didn't you continue your education?
Why didn't you take an earlier train?
Why didn't you take the deal Grimes offered you?
Why didn't you take the hat?
Why didn't you report Francesca then?
Why didn't you keep firing?
Why didn't you sound the horn?
Why didn't you include any names?
Why didn't you take the freeway?
Why didn't you let him catch me?
Why didn't you keep watch?
Why didn't you evacuate the compartment to space?
Why didn't you save my husband?
Corporal Paris, why didn't you leave the trenches?
Why didn't you burn that letter too?

Alternatives:

Did you not

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in everyday language.

"did you not"

This phrase is also used to form negative questions, but it is more formal and less common in everyday speech.

Examples:

Did you not receive my email?
Did you not understand the instructions?
Did you not see the warning?
Did you not hear the announcement?
Did you not notice the change?

Show examples from the web [+]

Why did you not accept the medal?
Why did you not get glasses for our guests?
Why did you not utilise the telephone?
How did you not subpoena that footage?
Why did you not unlock the doors?
And why did you not wed Thomas?
Why did you not shave his armpits?
Why did you not foresee this?
Why did you not wait at northern gate as ordered?
Why did you not seize opportunity?
Then why did you not dispatch a messenger?
And why did you not call for a trauma consult?
Reynaud, did you not hear Colbert addressing you in Council?
Why did you not defend yourself?
Which oddities did you not explore, and why?
Why did you not learn at school?
And did you not find such occurrences shocking, eminency?
Why did you not speak about this?
Why did you not confront these Danes?
Why did you not decide to adapt legislation instead?

Alternatives:

Didn't you

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