in the negative

in the negative — 慣用語

1. used to describe how someone gives a reply that clearly says or indicates 'no',

1.慣用語B2
釋義

否定答覆

以『不』作為回答

used to describe how someone gives a reply that clearly says or indicates 'no', especially in formal situations such as business correspondence, legal proceedings, or official decisions.

例句

When Yael asked the bank manager about her loan application, he replied in the negative.

當 Yael 向銀行經理詢問她的貸款申請時，對方給了否定的答覆。

reply + in the negative — the most common verb pairing

Dahlia's parents responded in the negative when she asked to go to the late-night concert.

Dahlia 的父母對她參加深夜音樂會的請求，予以否定的回答。

同義詞
  • say no

    more casual and conversational than 'in the negative'

  • refuse

    emphasises the act of rejecting, not just the reply itself

  • turn down

    informal, commonly used for offers, invitations, or requests

反義詞

文法句型

reply/answer/respond + in the negative

用法筆記

Common in formal or official contexts such as business letters, legal documents, and committee votes. In everyday conversation, speakers are more likely to say 'said no' or 'turned down' instead of using this phrase.

常見錯誤

❌He thought in the negative about the plan.
✅He replied in the negative to the proposal.
💡'in the negative' describes a reply of 'no', not a pessimistic attitude. To express a negative outlook, use 'negatively' or 'pessimistically'.
❌She answered in negative.
✅She answered in the negative.
💡The definite article 'the' is always required before 'negative' in this fixed phrase.
❌The boss said in the negative to my request.
✅The boss replied in the negative to my request.
💡The verbs 'reply', 'answer', and 'respond' are the natural partners for this phrase; 'say in the negative' is not idiomatic.