Ok, let’s talk about double negatives.
You have probably heard that double negatives in English are not grammatically correct. A double negative is when you use two negative words in a phrase or a sentence. For example, ✘ “I don’t like nothing” is grammatically incorrect. The correct way to say this sentence in English is ✔ “I don’t like anything” or ✔ “I like nothing.”
But in this post, I’m going to discuss another type of double negative structure that is actually grammatically correct and forms a positive statement. We usually use it when we want to be less direct. You can look at it as a weaker positive statement.
This kind of statement is formed by adding certain prefixes to different words, which changes them from positive to negative.
For example, if you add the prefix -un to the word “acceptable,” you end up with the word “unacceptable,” which means not acceptable. Now, consider this sentence: This behavior, while not typical, wouldn’t be considered unacceptable. Here we end up with two negative words – wouldn’t, which is the construction of would not, and unacceptable. If you say that something is not unacceptable, it means that it’s still acceptable, but it’s not ideal.
In addition to “un-,” other prefixes that change a word from a positive to negative are “in-,” “non-,” “de-,” “dis-,” “a-,” “anti-,” “im-,” “il-,” and “ir-.”
Examples
Here are some examples where by adding a prefix, we convert a word from a positive to negative:
believable – unbelievable
applicable – inapplicable
existent – nonexistent
compose – decompose
engage – disengage
typical – atypical
social – antisocial
possible – impossible
literate – illiterate
responsible – irresponsible
Double negatives and “strange” sentences
Now, imagine hearing this sentence:
I know that you are not a dishonest person and I don’t distrust you, but I still want to read the contract carefully before I sign it.
You might think, Oh my gosh, what is this? My head hurts from trying to decipher what this means.
Why wouldn’t someone just say:
I know you are an honest person and I trust you, but I still want to read the contract before I sign it.
Although both versions of this sentence have the same meaning, there are certain situations in which someone might choose to say the one with the multiple negatives in order to emphasize a particular idea.
For example, if dishonesty was ever brought up during the conversation or one of the people might suspect that the other one doubts their integrity, a sentence that addresses this concern might be more suited. Keep in mind though that both sentences are correct and it’s up to you to choose which one to use according to the situation.
Expressions that might confuse you because of the way they are worded
Here are some combinations and expressions that you might find confusing because of their double negatives:
… by no means un- / ir- / im- …
The first one is the combination of the phrase “by no means” with the prefixes -un, -ir, and -im. Here are a few examples:
Fine and settled weather in October is by no means uncommon in Scotland.
She could be a little ditsy sometimes, but she’s by no means irresponsible.
I know this is unlikely to happen, but it is by no means impossible.
… not un- …
The second combination is of the negative word “not” and the prefix -un. You can see this in the sentence:
While a pattern like this is not unseen, it certainly is not usually this striking.
Or in this sentence:
Although this grammar structure seems strange, it is not uncommon.
… not … don’t / doesn’t …
The next one is when “not” and “don’t” or “doesn’t” are in the same sentence. For example:
I’m not saying that I don’t want to do it at all. I just don’t want to do it now.
Here is another sentence:
I’m not implying that he doesn’t like you. I’m just saying he doesn’t show it.
I don’t / I am not … dis- …
Next is when you have “I don’t” or “I’m not” and the prefix -dis. Here are two examples:
I don’t disagree with you, but I’m not completely convinced about the last point of the presentation.
He’s not saying he’s dissatisfied, but you could be a little nicer to him.
… no way … won’t / can’t …
And the last one for this post is the combination of the phrase “no way” and “won’t”, which is the contraction of will not or “can’t,” which is the contraction of cannot. For example:
There’s no way that I won’t come to your graduation party.
Or:
There is no way you can’t do something if you put your mind to it.
Mix and Match
Keep in mind that all these examples are not fixed phrases and can be used in different ways to fit different situations. Here are a few more examples:
Time is not unlimited.
I’m unfortunately not ready yet.
You guys look so much alike. There is no way you are not related.
Now mix and match and create your own sentences with double negatives and share at least one in the comment section.
★
If you are still here, I hope you don’t have a headache from all these double negatives 🙂. They might be confusing, but they are definitely not uncommon. See, I just used a double negative. Now come up with your own sentence and put it in the comments.
If you found this post helpful, share it on social media and/or with someone who might benefit from it. You can use the sharing buttons below the text.
If you haven’t done this already, click here and sign up for our free Speaking Club. You will meet incredible people from all over the world who come to practice their speaking skills.
Share this page:
