ABSTRACT
The rem arkable diversity o f present tense negative forms is amply dem onstrated in M 9 -M 15 and again in M26 and M27. The distribution patterns are much more intricate than those of the positive form s and show much greater resistance to the encroachm ent of S tandard English. The past tense forms of the verb be, m apped in M 20-M 23, also reveal that the use o f was and were is still far from conform ing with the Standard and the old weak form weren still persists in a small area of the W est M idlands. Similar patterns also characterise (if she) were M24 and (if we) were M25.
