VOA慢速英语:The Story of the Double Negative

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 offending someone.

Double Negative Type 2:

Negative + verb + negative = strong negative

       Examples:

       I haven’t seen nobody. (I haven’t seen anybody.)

       I can’t get no satisfaction. (I can’t get any satisfaction.)

       Don’t tell me nothing. (Don’t tell me anything.)

TIP: This type of double negative is sometimes used in informal spoken English. One should avoid using it in academic and professional situations —especially in TOEFL, IELTS, college or job application letters.