A double negative is usually created by combining the negative form of a verb (e.g., cannot, did not, have not) with a negative pronoun (e.g., nothing, nobody), a negative adverb (e.g., never, hardly), or a negative conjunction (e.g., neither/nor).

A double negative is a construction occurring when two forms of grammatical negation are used in the same sentence. This is typically used to convey a different shade of meaning from a strictly positive sentence ("You're not unattractive" vs "You're attractive").

Jan 14, 2021 · Double negatives aren't always incorrect. Read this essential list of things you must understand about double negatives before using them in your writing.

However, we can use not + an adjective or adverb with a negative prefix (e.g. un-, in-) as a way of softening or downtoning the meaning of the adjective. The meaning becomes affirmative, but …

Apr 18, 2019 · There are two different definitions of double negatives in English grammar: A double negative is a nonstandard form using two negatives for emphasis where only one is necessary (for example, "I ca n't get no satisfaction"). A double negative is a standard form using two negatives to express a positive ("She is not unhappy").

A double negative means just that—two negative words. When these two negative words are used in the same sentence, they create the double negative. Double negatives can include the same negative term or different terms.

Double negatives are when two negative words are used to emphasize denial (e.g., I didn’t do nothing). They should be avoided in formal writing. In standard English, double negatives are considered “bad grammar.”

Sep 1, 2022 · Double negatives are two negative words used in the same sentence. Using two negatives usually turns the thought or sentence into a positive one. Double negatives are generally discouraged in English because they are considered to …

Sep 19, 2022 · Negatives like not or never are words that change the meaning of a word or sentence to show it’s untrue or not happening. They usually show an absence, a contradiction, or a denial. Double negatives are a common grammar mistake in which the two negative words cancel each other out.

Mar 7, 2025 · A double negative is a sentence that uses two negatives —such as “not” and “nobody.” In formal English grammar, double negatives are incorrect because the two negative words cancel each other’s meaning. For example, “I didn’t talk to nobody” technically means “I talked to at least one person rather than zero people.”