Double Negatives
March 17, 2005
Ask a grammar geek about the double negative, and you'll invariably hear about its long and noble heritage in the English language, from Chaucer to Shakespeare, up to the 18th century, when it all but died at the hands of overly zealous, systematizing Enlightenment linguists.
Whatever its history, however, the current view of most pragmatic writers is that the double negative should be avoided, if for no other reason than that a crotchety old English teacher might discover it and try to publicly humiliate them for using it. In many cases, people will read a double negative as if it equals a positive. One exception, as the American Heritage Dictionary of English Usage points out, is the expression, "You ain't seen nothing yet," which any reasonable person would admit is the equivalent of "You haven't seen anything yet."
The problem with the double negative is probably more social than grammatical. Sadly, many people are quick to make assumptions about the education, intelligence, or even social class of someone when they hear him or her use a double negative such as "I didn't do nothing last night," or "I couldn't find nothing at the store." My advice is to avoid it, especially in writing or when standard spoken English is expected.
Extra Credit
One form of a double negative is also an example of the rhetorical figure litotes, or the use of understatement by denying the contrary. (e.g. She is not unkind.)
Reference
You can read more about double negatives at the American Heritage Dictionary of English Usage.
Thank you, Marla, for the question and the examples!
Comments (7)
You are very welcome, Bill. Nice use of litotes in your comment!
Mar 22, 2005 ; 2:39 PM
Double negatives were in the literature of the 17th & 18th century quite popular and usually employed correctly (I can't say that I am disinclined to believe the man) and can even be found in current usage (Nobody doesn't like Sarah Lee). In order to preserve the richness and eloquence of our language I hate to see an arbitrary rule added which prohibits their proper use. I personally prefer to consider a double negative an error in logic rather than an error in grammar. I know that it is probably more difficult to teach youngsters to rigidly apply this rule of logic than simply promulgate a rule of grammar that prohibits double negatives but that is the way life is.
Jul 10, 2006 ; 10:04 PM
John, I agree with you. I hope you didn't get the impression that I advocated adding an arbitrary rule. The sentences you provide in your comment are excellent examples of litotes, which I refer to above. The only kind of double negative that I recommend avoiding are those that, as you put it, show an error in logic — and only then for social rather than grammatical reasons.
Jul 10, 2006 ; 10:34 PM
Double negatives are fairly prominent as stylistic devices in academic articles - phrases such as "not unlike" are often used for variety, and perhaps to create a less formal tone.
May 6, 2007 ; 8:38 PM
As a stylistic device i don't think the un-use of a double negative can't be not used. In fact i believe multi-negative sentances, used with a particular intention (such as to prove a point, or as an artistic device.), can be very valuable.
Aug 13, 2007 ; 11:46 PM
Yes, as valuable as correct punctuation inside of brackets can be. In my experiences, double negatives are only used in Northern America. No English (not Am. Eng.) speaking part of the world cripples speech or writing with them.
Sep 6, 2007 ; 7:13 AM
Thanks for the clear definition of the double negative. I intend not to be and infrequent visitor to your site!
Mar 22, 2005 ; 10:56 AM