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Robert Lowth
Reference
Double Negative Type 1:
Negative + negative = weak positive
Examples:
She is not incorrect. (She IS correct)
The plan is not without risk. (The plan HAS risk)
Time is not unlimited. (Time IS limited)
TIP: This type of negative is grammatically acceptable, but should be avoided. It
is used when the speakers want to be indirect and avoid offendingsomeone.
Double Negative Type 2:
Negative + verb + negative = strong negative
Examples:
I havent seen nobody. (I havent seen anybody.)
I cant get no satisfaction. (I cant get any satisfaction.)
Dont tell me nothing. (Dont tell me anything.)
TIP:
This type of double negative is sometimes used in informal spokenEnglish. One should avoi
d using it in academic and professional situations
especially in TOEFL, IELTS, college or job application letters.
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