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Which should I use: allows not or does not allow?

Can I use both?

Are there verbs that does not allow the two forms?

2 Answers 2

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Allows not is archaic. There is also a small problem with word order and where the object of the verb goes. These days it is only used for particular effect.

There are only two verbs in modern English whose present tense is always negated by following with not: do and be.

He does not...
He is not...

Every other verb uses "do not" to negate it: "He does not allow..." as opposed to "He allows not". The second form is used only for effect.

As Barrie has commented, have is also a modal verb along with do and be, and it can also be negated by following it with not. There is some evidence* that generally it isn't nowadays when the verb has a stated object. Where the object is stated, it's usually treated the same as every other verb.

He has not.
He does not have it.
He has it not. [Not generally used]

* Because "Has not...?" is a reasonable way of constructing a question, the Ngram is not entirely conclusive.

4
  • I think you need to look up hyperbaton.
    – Robusto
    Jul 17, 2012 at 1:15
  • @Robusto Did I not cover that with my third sentence? That was my intention.
    – Andrew Leach
    Jul 17, 2012 at 6:51
  • All modal verbs are negated by an immediately following 'not'. 'Have' can be, too, in its contracted form. Jul 17, 2012 at 6:52
  • @BarrieEngland You're right. One can over-simplify. Have has a foot in both camps.
    – Andrew Leach
    Jul 17, 2012 at 7:54
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Both are technically acceptable, but "does not allow" sounds more natural in American English. "Allows not" could sound pretentious or out of place.

The law allows not stealing.

The law does not allow stealing.

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