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Spocik Posted 19 years ago
Grammar

Double negatives

0 Hello02br
00What is the purpose of using two negatives in one sentence? I.e:02br
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00I don't tell you no lies02br
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00Is it only colloquial, acceptable usage? Or is it totally incorrect? I have seen much sentences like this one, but every reference book I have seen tells that it is incorrect to use double negatives.02br
02br
00Is it acceptable?02br
00Why do people use these constructions? 0-
  

Top answer

0 It is not acceptable in 'standard' English. Some people do use these constructions colloquially. It is, however, seen as rather 'uneducated'.

— Nona the brit

  • 0 It is not acceptable in 'standard' English.
  • Some people do use these constructions colloquially.
  • It is, however, seen as rather 'uneducated'.
  • 0-
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7 Answers
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0 It is not acceptable in 'standard' English. Some people do use these constructions colloquially. It is, however, seen as rather 'uneducated'. 0-
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0 I reckon that that particular sentence would not be understood by most people. Does it mean that you do or you don't tell lies? 0-
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0 01blockquote
01cite10Spocik12cite10Hello What is the purpose of using two negatives in one sentence? I.e: I don't tell you no lies Is it only colloquial, acceptable usage? Or is it totally incorrect? I have seen much sentences like this one, but every reference book I have seen tells that it is incorrect to use double negatives. Is it acceptable? 1
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0 How about songs?02br
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00"Ain't no way we can lose..." Sure Shot, Tracy Weber 0-
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0 "Ain't no" is very American. Again, it gives the impression of a poor education. 0-
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0Ain't no sunshine when she's gone...02br
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00Ain't no mountain high enough...02br
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00In conversation, though, in the UK, it would be understood but not used very often other than in some strong London accents.0-
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