F2: Double Negatives

F2: Double Negatives:  Do not use double negatives in sentences.  See the following: http://www.warrencountyschools.org/userfiles/1593/Grammar/Double%20Negative%20Worksheet.pdf

 

She does not want no marshmallows on her sweet potatoes.  (Incorrect)

She does not want any marshmallows on her sweet potatoes.  (Correct)

 

Beware of negative contractions causing a double negative.

The isn’t a time for us to have no proper lunch with this schedule.  (Incorrect)

There isn’t a time for us to have a proper lunch with this schedule.  (Correct)

 

Beware of words like “hardly,” “barely” and “scarcely,” which understood as negative, causing double negatives.

There were hardly no people at my presentation last night.  (Incorrect)

There were hardly any people at my presentation last night.  (Correct)

 

It was freezing, and he barely had no clothes to wear.  (Incorrect)

It was freezing, and he barely had any clothes to wear.  (Correct)

 

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