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4444mv Posted 11 years ago
Vocabulary

didn't come to nothing

I've read: The case of the murderer did'nt come to nothing. Justice will be done.

Is it correct? What does it mean? That the final decision will be positive for the case?
Thanks.
  

Top answer

4444mv What does it mean? came to nothing ~ was unsuccessful didn't come to nothing (a deliberate use of a double negative) ~ was successful. 4444mv the final decision will be positive for the case?

— CalifJim

  • 4444mv What does it mean?
  • came to nothing ~ was unsuccessful didn't come to nothing (a deliberate use of a double negative) ~ was successful.
  • 4444mv the final decision will be positive for the case?
  • Yes.
  • CJ
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6 Answers
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4444mvWhat does it mean?
came to nothing ~ was unsuccessful
didn't come to nothing (a deliberate use of a double negative) ~ was successful.
4444mvthe final decision will be positive for the case?
Yes.

CJ
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CalifJim 4444mvWhat does it mean?came to nothing ~ was unsuccessfuldidn't come to nothing (a deliberate use of a double negative) ~ was successful.4444mvthe final decision will be positive for the case?Yes.CJ
Ok. So, in this case a double negative is grammatically correct. Isn't it?
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4444mvOk. So, in this case a double negative is grammatically correct. Isn't it?
Yes. Both negatives are intended and necessary for the meaning. It's only wrong when a single negative is intended, as in saying "You don't never help me" for "You never help me".

CJ
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fivejedjonYes.
Thank you fivejedjon!
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CalifJim 4444mvOk. So, in this case a double negative is grammatically correct. Isn't it?Yes. Both negatives are intended and necessary for the meaning. It's only wrong when a single negative is intended, as in saying "You don't never help me" for "You never help me".CJ
I undersand. Thank you CJ!
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