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What Is a Double Negative?
When two negative words or two negative structures are used in the same sentence, a double negative is formed. Sentences with double negatives are not grammatically correct.
What Are Negative Words?
Here is a list of common negative words that negate a sentence:
Common Negative Pronouns
Common Negative Adverbs
- No
- Not
- Never
- Barely
- Scarcely
- Hardly
an example of double negation
Common Negative Verbs
- don't/doesn't
- isn't/aren't
- wasn't/weren't
- shouldn't
- wouldn't/won't
- couldn't/can't
If you use a negative noun and a negative verb in the same sentence, you have a double negative.
I
The correct sentence would be 'I want nothing from you,' or 'I don't want anything from you.'
I
The correct sentence would be 'I can hardly wait for the waiter to bring my order.'
Spoken English
In some dialects of English, you might hear double or even triple negatives. Remember that they are not considered acceptable in formal contexts or in writing.
We
He
When Double Negation Is Acceptable
In some rare occasions, in formal English, you can use 'not' + a negative adjective or adverb in order to make your statements less harsh and softer. For example:
This year's rise in inflation to 3% was
The repair cost fifty pounds. Oh well, that's
Review
Normally it is not correct to use a negative adjective, adverb, pronoun, or phrase in a negative sentence, but sometimes to make the sentence less harsh.
Here are some common negative structures.
| Common Negative Pronouns | Nobody | Nothing | No one | None | Nowhere |
|---|
| Common Negative Adverbs | ||
|---|---|---|
| No | Not | Never |
| Barely | Scarcely | Hardly |
| Common Negative Verbs | ||
|---|---|---|
| Don't/doesn't | Isn't/aren't | Wasn't/weren't |
| Shouldn't | Wouldn't/Won't | Couldn't/Can't |
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