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Anonymous Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Negative-to-Negative Tag Question

I have a grammar question to be answered. I'm writing a paper for class and one of my sentences is causing a bit of a conflict between one of my friends and I. This sentence is: "Not a really pretty puzzle to piece together, isn't it?" My friend persists that the sentence doesn't make sense because of my use of negatives. They say that the sentence should be: "Not a really pretty puzzle to piece together, is it?" I think that both variants are correct, but it depends on context. My intention was to write my question using a negative-to-negative tag question form, and therefore in my context, my variant would be correct. Can you please tell me which variation of the sentence is correct and give a thorough explanation why it so? Give examples to support your answer, please. Please reply soon.
  

Top answer

Hi, I have a grammar question to be answered. I'm writing a paper for class and one of my sentences is causing a bit of a conflict between one of my friends and I. " My friend persists that the sentence doesn't make sense because of my use of negatives.

— Clive

  • Hi, I have a grammar question to be answered.
  • I'm writing a paper for class and one of my sentences is causing a bit of a conflict between one of my friends and I.
  • " My friend persists that the sentence doesn't make sense because of my use of negatives.
  • " I think that both variants are correct, but it depends on context.
  • My intention was to write my question using a negative-to-negative tag question form, and therefore in my context, my variant would be correct.
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4 Answers
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Hi,

I have a grammar question to be answered. I'm writing a paper for class and one of my sentences is causing a bit of a conflict between one of my friends and I. This sentence is: "Not a really pretty puzzle to piece together, isn't it?" My friend persists that the sentence doesn't make sense because of my use of negatives. They say that the sentence
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From what I was thinking you could have a negative-to-negative tag question to emphasize sarcasm, irony, or another emotion. But it wouldn't be a real question that would ask for an answer.
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Hi,

If you said that to me, I would have no idea what you meant.

Clive
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The only way to double up to imply sarcasm is with a double positive.

He's finally cleaning his room, is he? About ****** time...

So you're sorry now, are you? Too bad we're breaking up.

They are getting married, are they? I'm so happy for them.


These are not really questions they are statements similar to exclamations/interjections and th

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