Why is the double negative used?
7 answers from our tutors
Best answer
Using a double negative in everyday English is wrong. Full stop! It is, more often than not, a sign that the speaker is not educated and makes the average person shudder. Using a double negative in run-of-the mill English, whether it is US or UK English, is a great big billboard advertisement to the world that you are unable to speak properly. However, if you are perhaps writing the lyrics to a song or if you are trying to be cryptic, then it would, in certain circumstances, be just about acceptable. A very good rule of thumb, though, is: stay away from double negatives, unless you want to look and sound stupid. Like what you've just read? Why not book a lesson?
In Standard English, a double negative is used when a sentence contains two negative words to emphasize denial or opposition. They should be avoided in formal writing because they can make your writing unclear.
In tutoring or teaching English, the concept of the double negative is often used to explain the standard grammatical rule that two negatives cancel each other out and create a positive statement. This is important for learners to understand in order to effectively communicate in English. The explanation typically involves clarifying that in standard English, using two negatives in a sentence, such as "I don't want no candy," can create confusion or ambiguity because the two negatives effectively affirm each other, resulting in a positive meaning: "I want some candy." Thus, emphasizing the correct usage of single negatives to convey the intended meaning is an important aspect of language instruction.
Check your English level for free
Take our quick and free test to find out your current level of English
Start test
The double negative is also known as negative concord! It is a linguastic phenomenon where two negative elements appear in a sentence, seemingly canceling each other out. Let's understand with a reason why double negative occur- Double negative appear in Lyrics, Poetry and Folk songs for give them a rhythm. They mainly focus to contribute to the musicality of language for this example. That's my explanation .... if you do like it....Why not a book a lesson?
Hello, Generally, double negatives should not be used as they are not standard English, are considered incorrect grammar, and often give the opposite meaning of what the speaker/ writer intended. There are a few scenarios where a double negative could be used - those are mostly to add stress to the negative tone/ meaning of speech or text, but these are rare. All the best!
Creative license as some people think it sounds cool, but in reality it’s just incorrect grammar.
To intend a positive or lukewarm meaning -- "I wasn't displeased, but I wasn't elated either about my grade."
Other student questions
- Can you share your experience how you teach students conditionals?
What kind of method do you use to explain clearly each conditional for students? Do you provide some examples from real life and how you do it? Thank you!
Best answer
Tsebo Lucia Lehloa
The best approach is to expose students to the what conditionals are through explanation. Explain all the types of conditionals providing examples for each. Then the details of the structure of each type of conditionals would better come last, then strengthen understanding by having the student produce written and spoken language. Lastly, expose them to more reading and real life listening examples regarding this, sometimesas homework. To gauge their understanding of the structure, give fill in exercises.
- Could you explain me, please, when I need to use 0,1,2,3 and mixed conditionals? Thank you!
Can you provide examples?
Best answer
1. 0 (zero) conditional is general truth 2. First conditional (one) Real, possible future conditions 3. Second conditional,Hypothetical or unlikely future or present situation. 4. Third condition is hypothetical past situation with no real outcome 5.Mixed conditional consists of past conditions with present consequences
- What strategy do you use to get the student to schedule another class?
could get your strategies?
Best answer
provide homework or practice exercises, then follow-up with an email or a message and then invite them to book another class
