Why is "doesn't" a legitimate starting word for a sentence? [duplicate]
The modern grammar requires that not must be contracted with the auxiliary verb in order to move from its normal position. If it is not contracted, it must stay in the same position it's in in a normal declarative sentence:
- Tom does not like Sally (normal negative sentence)
- Does Tom not like Sally (no contraction, not in normal declarative sentence position)
- Doesn't Tom like Sally (contracted with auxiliary, n't appears in pre-subject position)
I believe "Does not Tom like Sally" was actually a correct usage, though it is now uncommon/archaic except in the "Doesn't..." form. (I still hear "Does not..." occasionally when folks are attempting to be Extremely Formal, but that may be a back-formation.)