Double Negatives Don't Work

Double Negatives Don't Work

Avoid using Double Negatives

Double Negatives

• Using two negatives in the same sentence gives the opposite meaning, but it does the job awkwardly.

• Avoid double negatives!

• Replace "no" for "any"

Multiple Choice

I didn't see __________ in the gym at that time.

• anybody

• nobody

Multiple Choice

There ________ no excuse for that type of behavior.

• is

• isn't

Multiple Choice

His poor study habits _________ get him any scholarships.

• will

• won't

Multiple Choice

You (can, cannot) scarcely recognize her.

• can

• cannot

Multiple Choice

In the sentence below, select the correct word in the parentheses.

She couldn't eat (anything, nothing).

• anything

• nothing

Multiple Choice

I cannot find my money (anywhere, nowhere)!

• anywhere
• nowhere

Multiple Choice

I could not see (any, no) way to help her out of the mess she was in.

• any
• no

Multiple Choice

Isn't there (nothing, anything) you want for your birthday?

• nothing

• anything

Multiple Choice

Ms. Gill doesn't have _________ patience for interruptions.

• no

• any

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

• She can't hear you when you're whispering.

• She can't hardly hear you when you're whispering.

Multiple Choice

She couldn't eat (anything, nothing)

• anything
• nothing

Multiple Choice

Jenna didn't have (no, any) food in her lunchbox.

• No

• Any

Multiple Choice

Which sentence is correct?

• We hadn't barely started the project when the teacher called us back to class.

• We barely started the project when the teacher called us back to class.