0
Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Grammar

Double negation

HiEmotion: hi, hello ,everyone

I should not be surprised if he did not retire soon.

At first, I would think this sentence of double negation means:

I should be surprised if he retired soon.

But the book says this: I think he'll retire soon.

I cannot grasp this meaning; Could you tell me a context in which this interpretation stands?

Thank you.[G]
  

Top answer

The book is wrong, IMHO. Try taking one negative at a time. I'd be surprised if he retires soon.

— Avangi

  • The book is wrong, IMHO.
  • Try taking one negative at a time.
  • I'd be surprised if he retires soon.
  • ) zero negatives I'd be surprised if he didn't retire soon.
  • ) one negative I wouldn't be surprised if he retires soon.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

2 Answers
0
The book is wrong, IMHO.

Try taking one negative at a time.

I'd be surprised if he retires soon. (I think he'll keep working.) zero negatives

I'd be surprised if he didn't retire soon. (I think he'll quit.) one negative

I wouldn't be surprised if he retires soon. (I think he'll quit.) one negative

I wouldn't be surprised if
0
0
I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't retire soon.

I realize there are people who say this, meaning they think he'll retire.

I suppose it could be considered as an idiom which means the opposite of what it says.

It seems more clear with a different verb:

I'd be surprised if he won.
0

Related Questions