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 there is another type of double negative structure that is actually grammatically correct and forms a positive statement. It is weaker than the regular positive statement and is used in a situation where the speaker wants to be less direct.
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A weak positive statement is formed by using certain prefixes that can change the meaning of a word from a positive to negative. Such a negative word in a combination with another negative is what makes the statement positive. One such prefix is “un-,” which means “not.” For example, if you attach it in front of the word “acceptable,” you will end up with “unacceptable,” which means “not acceptable.” And if you say that something wouldn’t be considered unacceptable, that means that it would be considered acceptable. 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:
- believable – unbelievable
- applicable – inapplicable
- existent – nonexistent
- compose – decompose
- engage – disengage
- typical – atypical
- social – antisocial
- possible – impossible
- literate – illiterate
- responsible – irresponsible
Now, imagine hearing this:
“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.”
Why, you might ask, 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 a speaker might choose to say the former in order to emphasize a particular idea. For example, if dishonesty was ever brought up during the conversation or one of the interlocutors might suspect that the other one doubts his / her / 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
Below are expressions that you might find confusing because of usage of double negation:
1. … by no means un- / ir- / im- …
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.
2. … not un- …
Examples:
- While a pattern like this is not unseen, it certainly is not usually this striking.
- Although this grammar structure seems strange, it is not uncommon.
3. … not … don’t / doesn’t …
Examples:
- I’m not saying that I don’t want to do it at all. I just don’t want to do it now.
- I’m not implying that he doesn’t like you. I’m just saying he doesn’t show it.
4. I don’t / I am not … dis- …
- 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.
5. … no way … won’t / can’t …
Examples:
- There’s no way that I won’t come to your graduation party.
- There is no way you can’t do something if you put your mind to it.
6. Mix and match
Note that you can mix and match and create your own sentences with double negatives. That is, the examples above are not fixed phrases and can be used in different ways to fit different situations.
Here are some other 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.
- I can’t solve impossible problems.
- I don’t see invisible objects.
7. Nagative sentences with “yet”
On the other hand, there is a word that, although positive, when used in a certain way transforms a sentence or a phrase into negative. This word is “yet.” In a sentence such as: “I haven’t done my homework yet,” it means up until this moment, so far, by now. But imagine a sentence like this: “I am yet to see a person who wants to fail.” Despite the lack of negative words in it, its meaning is negative – “I haven’t seen a person who wants to fail.”
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If using double negatives to weaken a positive statement still doesn’t feel natural to you, try to make some of your own sentences and use them in situations when you want to be more indirect.
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