Short forms, comparatives, and lexical conventions
Some predicate forms conventionally take separate не even when a tempting synonym exists; simple comparatives also use separate не.
- Other short adjectives allow solid or separate spelling by the ordinary meaning contrast. Consult the dictionary for the lexical group.
| Convention | Example | Guidance |
|---|---|---|
| separate predicate | не гото́в, не до́лжен, не рад | lexically conventional |
| separate predicate | не обя́зан, не согла́сен | negated state/obligation |
| simple comparative | не лу́чше, не ху́же, не вы́ше | separate |
| solid short quality | Зада́ча нелегка́. | lexical 'difficult' |
| meaning contrast | Он непра́в / Он не прав | asserted wrongness vs contextual denial/contrast |
Read the model
3.21 · Short forms, comparatives, and lexical conventions · table 1
separate predicate · не гото́в, не до́лжен, не рад · lexically conventionalseparate predicate · не обя́зан, не согла́сен · negated state/obligationMini-check
Correct: неготов/не готов to leave. Correct comparative: невыше/не выше.
Apply this next
- Say the Russian examples aloud, cover the model, and retrieve the pattern once before continuing.