double negative

double negative
The phrase "double negative" is not itself an error of any sort, but it does name a construction considered illiterate or narrowly dialectal. Such a construction employs two negatives to express a single negation. Illiterate or careless speech abounds with such expressions as "can't hardly," "haven't scarcely," "can't scarcely." Such double negatives have been allowable in past centuries, but they are now out of style and unacceptable. You are not likely to say "I didn't get no money" or "I haven't seen nobody," but you should be careful to avoid using not with such negative words as no, but, nor, only, hardly, barely, scarcely, and except: "I did not have but five hours' sleep." "You can't help but love that child."

Dictionary of problem words and expressions. . 1975.

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  • Double Negative — may refer to: Double negative, concept in linguistics Double negative elimination, logic theory Double negation, logic theory p = p; when extended to infinite collections it is disallowed in intuitionistic logic; also considered by some to be one …   Wikipedia

  • double negative — 1. • He never did no harm to no one The Archers (radio broadcast), 1987. This, and other double negative constructions, can easily be found in all varieties of English used throughout the world. It is commonly associated with poorly educated East …   Modern English usage

  • double negative — ► NOUN Grammar 1) a negative statement containing two negative elements (e.g. didn t say nothing), regarded as incorrect in standard English. 2) a positive statement in which two negative elements are used to produce the positive force, e.g.… …   English terms dictionary

  • double negative — n two negative words used in one sentence when only one is needed in correct English grammar, for example in the sentence I don t want nobody to help me! …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • double negative — noun count a sentence in which two negative words such as not, don t, or no one are used when only one would be correct, for example in the sentence I don t want no dinner …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • double negative — n. the use of two negatives in a single statement having a negative force (Ex.: “I didn t hear nothing”): now generally regarded as nonstandard …   English World dictionary

  • Double negative — This article is about the linguistic construct. For other uses, see Double Negative (disambiguation). A double negative occurs when two forms of negation are used in the same sentence. Multiple negation is the more general term referring to the… …   Wikipedia

  • double negative — noun 1. an affirmative constructed from two negatives A not unwelcome outcome • Hypernyms: ↑affirmative 2. a grammatically substandard but emphatic negative I don t never go • Hypernyms: ↑negative * * * noun, pl ⋯ tives [count …   Useful english dictionary

  • double negative — a syntactic construction in which two negative words are used in the same clause to express a single negation. [1820 30] Usage. Double or multiple negation was standard in English through the time of Shakespeare. An oft quoted line from Chaucer s …   Universalium

  • double negative — noun Grammar 1》 a negative statement containing two negative elements (e.g. he didn t say nothing), regarded as incorrect in standard English. 2》 a positive statement in which two negative elements are used to produce the positive force, e.g.… …   English new terms dictionary

  • double negative — UK / US noun [countable] Word forms double negative : singular double negative plural double negatives a sentence in which two negative words such as not , don t , or no one are used when only one would be correct, for example in the sentence I… …   English dictionary

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