Front

What is a double negative?

Back

A double negative occurs when two forms of negation are used in the same sentence, which can create confusion or imply a positive meaning.

Front

Why is it incorrect to say 'I don't need no help'?

Back

This sentence uses a double negative ('don't' and 'no'), which can imply that the speaker does need help. The correct form is 'I don't need any help.'

Front

What is the correct form of 'Amanda doesn't rarely take out the trash'?

Back

The correct form is 'Amanda rarely takes out the trash.' This avoids the double negative.

Front

Choose the correct word: 'We (could, couldn’t) hardly hear the guest speaker.'

Back

The correct word is 'could.' The sentence should read: 'We could hardly hear the guest speaker.'

Front

Choose the correct word: 'The cafeteria didn’t serve (anything, nothing) I like today.'

Back

The correct word is 'anything.' The sentence should read: 'The cafeteria didn’t serve anything I like today.'

Front

Choose the correct word: 'The bird-watchers saw scarcely (no, any) bald eagles this year.'

Back

The correct word is 'any.' The sentence should read: 'The bird-watchers saw scarcely any bald eagles this year.'

Front

Choose the correct word: 'The goalie doesn’t have (any, no) excuse.'

Back

The correct word is 'any.' The sentence should read: 'The goalie doesn’t have any excuse.'

Front

What is the rule for using 'any' in negative sentences?

Back

In negative sentences, 'any' is used instead of 'no' to indicate the absence of something.

Front

What is the rule for using 'anything' in negative sentences?

Back

In negative sentences, 'anything' is used to refer to an unspecified object or thing that is not present.

Front

What does 'scarcely' mean in the context of a sentence?

Back

'Scarcely' means hardly or barely, often used to indicate a very small amount.