to not play vs. not to play
What is the difference between "Mom asked John not to play the piano at night." and "Mom asked John to not play the piano at night."? Good question ________ (you didn't leave your name.) My first response is to say that the second example I not correct. The first example is correct and easy to say (as the imperative "to play" is together, where as the second is awkward. It might be used if you are quoting what Mom said but it doesn't seem natural. I looked this up in my grammar books but I couldn't find anything specifically dealing with this. I'm stumped (not sure what to tell you). If anyone else can explain the reasoning behind the sentences, I'd appreciate it. (I hate it when I don't know the answer...:)
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