to not take vs not to take

Both "to not take" and "not to take" are correct constructions in English, but they are used in different contexts. "Not to take" is the more common and natural structure, while "to not take" is less common but still grammatically correct. The choice between them depends on the emphasis and style of the sentence.

Last updated: March 22, 2024 • 4814 views

to not take

This construction is less common but still grammatically correct. It is used for emphasis or to create a specific style in writing.

This construction is used when you want to emphasize the negation of the action of taking. It can be used for stylistic purposes or to create a specific tone in writing.

Examples:

I decided to not take the job offer.
She chose to not take any risks.
He promised to not take any shortcuts.
It's important to not take things for granted.
The doctor advised him to not take the medication on an empty stomach.

Show examples from the web [+]

Sir, you can't expect us to not take precautions.
Didn't we agree to not take this?
Okay, this is getting a little hard to not take personally.
She's an excuse to not take chances.
The killer would have been frustrated to not take this.
Andrew, way to not take focus from Zach.
They allow the automotive industry to not take measures until at least 2019.They exempt undertakings affected by international competition from regulations on energy generation and much more besides.
I can't jam in a Palin SOT just to give myself the opportunity to not take a shot at her.
I thought we agreed to not take up people's time with meetings like these.
But try to not take too much time, I'm recording over some of my favorite karate movies.
For example, to not take advantage of the vulnerability of a recently-separated, but not-yet-divorced woman.
So, after a while, I decided to not take Journey's advice, and I did stop believin'.
You have to not take "no" for an answer, and take what's coming to you.
You cannot afford to not take that advantage, can you?
You cannot afford to not take that advantage, can you?
to not take anything from anyone. It's a lonely way to walk through this world.
The fourth new feature was that of the delegated acts, and here I must tell you very clearly, Mrs Malmström, that Parliament can take care of timetable arguments and procedural arguments very efficiently, and we promise to not take long to respond to delegated acts.
"... we humbly plead, Your Honor..."... to not take Russell completely out of our lives... "... forever."
Sometimes, I think the right thing to do is to not take shortcuts.
Nevertheless social pressure must be stepped up to a point where young people especially do not start smoking, and women to not take up smoking either.

Alternatives:

not to take
decided not to take
chose not to take
promised not to take
important not to take

not to take

This is the more common and natural construction in English. It is widely used in everyday language and writing.

This construction is the standard way to form a negative infinitive in English. It is used to express the negation of the action of taking.