When we use verbs like think, suppose and believe to introduce a negative idea, we prefer to make the introductory verb negative, not the verb in the that clause:
- [I think the later train won't be cancelled.]
- I don't think the later train will be cancelled. ✓
If we make the verb in the that clause negative, it can express surprise or appear emphatic:
- I thought that you didn't eat meat! When did you start?
We do NOT use hope and wish in this way:
- We hope that the reunion won't be too painful for you.
With verbs such as seem, expect, appear, we use either of these patterns; the meaning does not change:
- He doesn't appear to be interested.
- He appears not to be interested.
With introductory verbs such as ask, beg, persuade, tell, urge + infinitive, we change the meaning when we make the introductory verb negative:
- The doctor told me not to take the pills. (He said I must not take the pills.)
- The doctor didn't tell me to take the pills. (He didn't mention taking the pills.)
