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I sometimes see teens type:

I've not...

Instead of typing:

I haven't...

What can you say about it?

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4
  • What is your question?
    – James K
    Commented Feb 21, 2017 at 18:41
  • 5
    Each is a different contraction for "I have not" - what is unclear?
    – Davo
    Commented Feb 21, 2017 at 18:44
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    Both are acceptable. Neither is better than the other in general, although sometimes one will sound better in context, to emphasize the "have" or the "not".
    – Andrew
    Commented Feb 21, 2017 at 19:21
  • This was covered on the Language & Usage site.
    – Anonymous Penguin
    Commented Nov 21, 2017 at 23:32

4 Answers 4

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As has been already stated, they are both contractions of "I have not," and neither is incorrect. In the USA, I would say that "I haven't" is far more commonly heard. The use of "I've not" sounds a bit more proper and old-fashioned.

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3

Both are correct, just the difference in emphasis. If you want to emphasize the negative, don't contract not and vice versa.

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They are equal. Neither is preferable. It is your choice, depending on which you like. A professional, like a speechwriter, might have a stronger preference based on more complex criteria, but for most people, there is no difference.

If you are feeling particularly bold, you might try

I'ven't

Which is a contraction of "I have not". That one isn't "accepted", but most native speakers will understand the meaning, and some accents pronounce "I have not" close to "I've'nt".

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  • Actually, because apostrophes in contractions replace missing letters, the correct spelling is "I'ven't." And this word, while maybe not incorrect, might raise some eyebrows, especially when used by a non-native speaker. I wouldn't suggest it.
    – Stephen C
    Commented Feb 22, 2017 at 2:36
  • I'ven't might be used in creative writing to simulate the pronunciation of a particular English dialect, but it's not "correct" English and would not ordinarily appear in any other kind of writing.
    – Andrew
    Commented May 30, 2017 at 20:22
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When I speaking English I think in my mind that's easier to pronounce the word NOT separately from the verb to be like are or is for example instead of I say you aren't most if the times I'd say you're not or it's not so to me it's preferable use I've not it's clearer I don't know why but I think I'm not saying the negative form when I use these contractions isn't, aren't or haven't

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