Double negative
volume
British pronunciation/dˈʌbəl nˈɛɡətˌɪv/
American pronunciation/dˈʌbəl nˈɛɡətˌɪv/

Definition & Meaning of "double negative"

Double negative
01

a grammatical construction in which two negative elements are used within the same sentence, often resulting in a positive meaning

Wiki

What is a "double negative"?

A double negative is a linguistic construction in which two negative words or elements are used in the same clause or sentence, often resulting in a meaning that can be confusing or lead to ambiguity. In standard English, using a double negative typically produces a positive meaning, although this is not the case in all languages or dialects. For example, in the sentence "I do not want no cake," the two negatives "do not" and "no" combine to imply that the speaker does want cake, contrary to the intended meaning. In informal speech and some dialects, double negatives can be used for emphasis, but in formal writing and standard English, they are generally considered incorrect and should be avoided to ensure clarity. Understanding double negatives is important for effective communication and for recognizing variations in language use.

double negative

n
example
Example
The editor corrected the double negative in the manuscript to ensure clarity and accuracy.
In standard grammar, a double negative can create confusion, as it often results in a positive meaning.
The teacher explained that a double negative in English typically cancels out, leading to a positive statement.
The use of double negatives in the sentence 'I ain't got none' renders it ungrammatical in standard English.
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