#Double negative meaning and examples how to
#Double negative meaning and examples full

In English, as in mathematics, we now regard two negatives as making a positive, with the result that each of the sentences quoted has the opposite meaning to the one intended:

#Double negative meaning and examples how to

'didn't' and 'nothing' are both negatives. How to use double negative in a sentence Thorne also worked closely with double negative, the visual-effects aces who worked on Interstellar. This is typically used to convey a different shade of meaning from a strictly positive sentence ('You're not unattractive' vs 'You're attractive'). Negatives like not or never are words that change the meaning of another word or of a sentence to its opposite. These famous examples of double negatives that reinforce (rather than nullify) a negative meaning show clearly that this construction is alive and well in spoken English. 'shouldn't' and 'didn't' are both negatives A double negative is a construction occurring when two forms of grammatical negation are used in the same sentence. double negative synonyms, double negative pronunciation, double negative translation, English dictionary definition of double negative. I shouldn't be surprised if it didn't rain. The following are examples of double negative words. But what is a double negative and why is it now regarded as an error? The easiest way to answer these questions is to give a few simple examples and then say why they are wrong.Ģ. When a double negative forms a positive that is not the intended meaning of the speaker, the double negative is improper and should be avoided.

#Double negative meaning and examples full

Incorrect: He couldn’t hardly walk after a full afternoon gardening.Ĭorrect: He could hardly walk after a full afternoon gardening.The use of the double negative for emphasis is, as we say, as old as the hills and it was used in this way centuries ago much more frequently than it is today. Incorrect: We have no doubt but that John will win the competition.Ĭorrect: We have no doubt that John will win the competition.ģ) Words like barely, hardly, and scarcely have negative connotations and should not be used with another negative as they will create a double negative. The word but has a negative meaning and if it is used in the same clause as another negative, a double negative situation will occur. Literally speaking, 'I cant get no satisfaction' means 'I can indeed acquire some satisfaction, Im just fine in my pursuit of such, thanks for asking. Similar clauses are, “I won’t ask you not to do that,” and “I am not unhappy,” “I’m not sure that I didn’t say that,” and “I don’t dislike him.” How to avoid using double negativesġ) It sounds obvious, but if you are unsure whether it is suitable to use a double negative or not, just avoid using two negative words in the same sentence.Ģ) Be careful with your use of the word but. For example, the clause, “I cannot disagree with you” is a double negative-”I agree with you” would be the positive descriptor-however, using the negative form places an emphasis on the fact that, while there is no basis on which to disagree, the agreement is tentative.

Occasionally, double negatives can be useful when a writer wants to emphasize a negative quality. For example, if you were to write, “I don’t have no problems,” the words don’t and no would cancel each other out and you would effectively be saying: “I have money.” Are there situations when it is okay to use a double negative? This entails that people who mistakenly use a double negative in a clause actually say the opposite of what they intended to say.

One of the main problems associated with double negatives is that when you use two negative words in a single sentence they form a positive. In a double negative, the words effectively cancel each other out. This construction is widely considered unacceptable in formal language, but many writers and speakers use double negatives to intensify or emphasize a negative meaning. Less commonly an progression may be from posite to negative, like in on doom by G.K. However, it is important to recognize that their usage can cause confusion for a reader and it is, therefore, advisable that they are completely avoided in formal written English. Essentially, a double negative is when you use two negatives in a single clause. In an extended passage, negative and positive could being expressed in separate sentences (the third example). They are generally acceptable in informal language as a means of intensifying a negative meaning. What is a double negative?Ī double negative occurs when a clause contains two negative words that serve to cancel one another out. Regardless of your opinion, you need to be able to identify them and understand the impact that their use may have on the meaning of your sentence. Some people believe that there is a place for them in written English and others argue that they are non-standard and should not be used. Source: What is a double negative and do you need to care?