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A double negative is a construction occurring when two forms of grammatical negation are used in the same sentence. This is typically used to convey a different shade of meaning from a strictly positive sentence ("You're not unattractive" vs "You're attractive").
But the term "double negative" can sometimes refer to the standard English constructions called litotes or nested negatives, e.g., using "He is not unhealthy" to mean "He is healthy". In some cases, nested negation is used to convey nuance, uncertainty, or the possibility of a third option other than a statement or its negation.
Negation can be applied not just to whole verb phrases, clauses or sentences, but also to specific elements (such as adjectives and noun phrases) within sentences. [ a ] This contrast is usually labeled sentential negation versus constituent negation . [ 9 ]
The first English grammar, Bref Grammar for English by William Bullokar, published in 1586, does not use the term "auxiliary" but says: All other verbs are called verbs-neuters-un-perfect because they require the infinitive mood of another verb to express their signification of meaning perfectly: and be these, may, can, might or mought, could, would, should, must, ought, and sometimes, will ...
Whether to use who or whom in various contexts [13] The use of less or fewer with count nouns [14] Double negatives – e.g., "We don't need no education" [15] Certain double modals – e.g., "You might could do it" – not considered standard, but used for example in Southern American English [16] Double copula [17] – e.g.,
The most reliable way to stop the spread is washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially if you are preparing food, or after using the restroom or changing diapers.
Another use of subject–auxiliary inversion is in sentences which begin with certain types of expressions which contain a negation or have negative force. For example, a. Jessica will say that at no time. b. At no time will Jessica say that. – Subject–auxiliary inversion with a fronted negative expression. c. Only on Mondays will Jessica ...
They did adjust for other factors that might also influence the association, including age, sex, alcohol, smoking, exercise level and body mass index, or BMI, she added.