Negative vs. Positive Sentences

Question

Hi,A conversation from the movie "In Bruges":A: You don't even know we're here hiding out.B: What are you talking about?A: You don't even know we're not here on a job.B: What, on a job? Here in Bruges, on a job?A: Yeah.Here is my question. I understand from A's quotes that they're in Bruges in order to hide but B is not aware of this and that they're not on a job (btw they're murderers) but B doesn't know this. However later I understand from B's reaction to A's words that in fact they're not hiding, they're on a job there.I'm a little confused here. If those sentences must be understood as they're positive sentences, then how do we make negative sentences by using the same structure. I mean let's say they're hiding out but A doesn't know this. they're not on a job, A doesn't know this.Thanks in advance.

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

Sorry, I don't understand your question. Can you ask it more clearly, please?

Best wishes, Clive

Johner · Answer

Hi Clive,

Clive
Sorry, I don't understand your question. Can you ask it more clearly, please?

I'm the one who should be sorry. I'll try to express myself differently.

A: You don't even know we're here hiding out. we're here hiding out but you're not aware of this.

B: What are you talking about?

A: You don't even know we're not here on a job. we're not here on a job, but you think we're.

B: What, on a job? Here in Bruges, on a job?

A: Yeah.

Apparently this conversation means: Actually they're not hiding out but they're on a job. However what I understand is they're hiding out and they're not on a job as I noted above in red.

If I misunderstand these two sentences (yes I do) then how should I make them as they mean how I understand? so the sentences that I want to make must say what the sentences in red are saying.

Still I'm not sure whether I could express myself clearly enough. If it's still unclear I can try to explain in a different way.

Thanks a lot..

CalifJim · Answer

Not knowing exactly what is going on in the plot at this point, this is my guess.

A: You don't even know we're here hiding out. We are here to hide, but you don't know that.

B: What are you talking about? I don't understand.

A: You don't even know we're not here on a job. We are not here on a job, but you don't know that.

B: What, on a job? Here in Bruges, on a job? What do you mean "(not) on a job"?
Do you mean (not) here in Bruges, on a job?

A: Yeah. Yes. (You understand that I mean "not here on a job".)
____________________

I think this is one of those where you had to be there. The tone of voice probably conveys the idea even better.

CJ

Johner · Answer

Hi,

CalifJimA: You don't even know we're here hiding out. We are here to hide, but you don't know that.

CalifJimA: You don't even know we're not here on a job. We are not here on a job, but you don't know that.

Yes, this's exactly what I understood too. same as you did. but turns out those sentences mean adversely. They're not there just to hide out, they're there on a job (they're working). It's weird that they mean just opposite. But as long as you understand as same as I do, I'm OK with it. This's bad of the script then.

Thank you...

CalifJim · Answer

johnerThey're not there just to hide out, they're there on a job (they're working).

Then they are lying. They hope to deceive the other guy.

CJ

Johner · Answer

Hi again,

CalifJimThen they are lying. They hope to deceive the other guy.

This was what I thought when I heard it. but no. Here is the issue: These two killer guys are friends and their boss sent them to Belgium. while one of them thinks they're just hiding out in Belgium for a while, the other experienced and older one speculates that they were sent to Belgium for a job. The conversation occurs between two of them while they're having their beers in a pub. And yes, the guess of the experienced older one comes true. So we were supposed to understand from his statements that they're on a job.

After your explanation, I think this is fault of the script. If you get the oppurtunity to watch this film, you'd better not miss it. a piece of art . And If you're to watch, remember this thread

Thanks again...

CalifJim · Answer

johnerAnd If you're to watch, remember this thread

I will!

CJ

Negative vs. Positive Sentences

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions