this post was submitted on 19 Oct 2023
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[–] [email protected] 11 points 1 year ago (1 children)

If you guys think that's cool you should see what I can do with a double negative.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 1 year ago (1 children)

What you can't not do with a double negative?

[–] [email protected] 0 points 1 year ago (2 children)

In english a double negative only reinforces the no if i rember correctly

[–] systemglitch 4 points 1 year ago

Yes and no. Correct English does not use a double negative, but when it is used it can either reinforce or convey the opposite... which is why we don't use double negatives, it's confusing and language should be clear and precise when used properly.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

In english a double negative is a positive, and is syntactically incorrect.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

What if someone says "no no" or "no dont". That conveys a negative response despite being two negatives. Granted these aren't proper English or full sentences, but it's something you might say

[–] treesquid 1 points 1 year ago

"No, don't [do that]" is not a double negative, it's just two independent negatives in a row, they don't affect each other. A double negative would be like "don't not do that" which will mean "do not fail to do that" to most people.