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Lesson 3.42.3: Year3
Everyday Grammer, ” Double Negative”.
A double negative is when we use two negative words in the same clause of sentences.
For example, there isn’t no other way, (isn’t and no). I can’t go anywhere tonight. (can’t and anywhere)
I didn’t want nothing to do with her, (didn’t and nothing). She doesn’t never call me. (doesn’t and never)
Ther are two types of double negatives, the first type is when two negative words form a weak positive statement. For example, we can’t not go to sleep. Time is not unlimited.
The second type of double negative is when two negatives form a stronger negative. This typically happens in casual conversation, for example, I don’t know nothing. I can’t get no answer. But we should avoid this double negative conversation in our formal conversation.
Dear teacher,
A double negative is a statement which contains two negative words.
If two negatives are used in one sentence, the opposite meaning may be conveyed. In many British, American, and other dialects, two or more negatives can be used with a single negative meaning.
Ex: There is no way I cannot visit my mother this year.
Ex: The waitress was doing nothing but standing around smoking.
Ex: I didn’t want nothing to do with her.
Ex: That won’t do you no good.
Ex: Nobody with any sense isn’t going.
Ex: I can’t find my keys nowhere.
Ex: She never goes with nobody.
Ex: John says he has not seen neither Alice or Susan all day.
Ex: I didn’t steal nothing.
Thank you.