learn how to not vs learn how not to

Both "learn how to not" and "learn how not to" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Learn how not to" is more commonly used and considered more natural in English. It is used to indicate learning what not to do in a particular situation. On the other hand, "learn how to not" can be used when emphasizing the act of not doing something as part of the learning process.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 856 views

learn how to not

This phrase is correct but less common in English. It can be used to emphasize the act of not doing something as part of the learning process.

This phrase can be used when emphasizing the act of not doing something as part of the learning process. It is less common than "learn how not to."

Examples:

She needs to learn how to not interrupt others during meetings.
I have to learn how to not procrastinate and manage my time better.
Learning how to not take things personally is important for mental well-being.
He is trying to learn how to not get angry so easily.
The key is to learn how to not let stress affect your performance.

Show examples from the web [+]

You guys have to learn how to not break.
It's a way of life where you learn how to not only protect yourself but all innocent people.
You just have to learn how not to get caught.
I went to school for quite some time to learn how not to do it.
So it wouldn't be a hardship for me... to learn how not to be an Army wife... if my husband wasn't in the Army any more.
Unfortunately, by this time, he was a little rotten himself, and he had to learn how not to be like the wicked king and queen when he grew up.
You will never hear Jack O'Toole utter a racist phrase 'cause guys like that, they learn how not to say the bad words.
But that one needs to learn how to smile and not bring her boyfriend along.
I want them to learn how to read, not how to scan the skies, looking for drones.
One day you may just learn how to walk, not just dance.
During the life time, one should learn how to keep itself, not to go after fashion
OK, write this down too. one should learn how to keep itself, not to go after fashion
You know, he wrote in one of his books: A Yale student once said, 'I came here to learn how to design, not how to use a computer.'
You know, he wrote in one of his books: "A Yale student once said, 'I came here to learn how to design, not how to use a computer.' Design schools take heed."
- Learn how an office works.
When KGB learns English, he does not learn how to curse American style.
And I suggest you learn how to speak it.
Mr Wickers must learn how to look after himself.
She's forcing everyone to learn how to use these things.
When that happens, you learn how to survive any way you can.

Alternatives:

learn how not to

learn how not to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It is used to indicate learning what not to do in a particular situation.

This phrase is commonly used to indicate learning what not to do in a particular situation. It is considered more natural than "learn how to not."