No vs Not: What's the Difference?

The words no and not are often confused.

Not negates the meaning of the modified verb when used as an adverb.

No means "not any" when used as a determiner.

A good way to remember the difference is that not works with verbs and no works with nouns.

The Difference Between No vs Not

NOT is usually used to modify verbs. It negates the meaning of a verb. If a verb did not occur, you will use not.

Examples of not:

• He didn't run quickly enough. (didn't = did not)
• That's not the right bus.
• There aren't many seats left. (aren't = are not)
• I do not like playing the cello.

No is usually used to modify nouns. It precedes nouns that do not have an article. It can also precede an adjective that comes before a noun (e.g. no good reason).

Examples of no:

• That's no excuse.
• I have no imagination.
• There are no chocolate bars.