4.53 position with non-finite verbs

When 'not' is used with an '-ing' form or a 'to'-infinitive clause, it is placed in front of the '-ing' form or 'to'-infinitive.

• We stood there, not knowing what was expected of us.
• He lost out by not taking a degree at another university.
• Try not to worry.
• It took a vast amount of patience not to strangle him.