Double Negative

Double negative refers to a clause in which two negatives are used instead of one to give emphasis.

Incorrect Usage: The audience could not barely hear the speech.

Correct Usage: “The audience could barely hear the speech” or “The audience could not hear the speech”.

Incorrect Usage: He does not know nothing about this deal.

Correct Usage: “He does not know about this deal” or “He knows nothing about this deal”.

Use of the wrong Grammar

Using a double negative.

Don’t say: She says she is not afraid of nobody.

ü  Say: She says she is not afraid of anybody.

ü  Or: She says she is afraid of nobody

In English, two negatives are equal to an affirmative statement. Should avoid using two negative words in the same clause.