In a declarative sentence, the word not, in some sense, negates the assertion.

But it seems to do something quite different in yes-no questions.

Did Chris win the hog calling contest?

Here the questioner doesn't seem to know whether Chris did or didn't win, and, in fact, either outcome seems equally expected. The questioner seems to be asking for information.

The addition of not doesn't seem to negate anything; instead, it changes the implication of the question:

Didn't Chris win the hog calling contest?

Now the questioner seems to think it is most likely that Chris did win. The questioner seems to be asking more for confirmation than information.

Am I right about this use of not?

Peter Adams

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