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Guest Posted 22 years ago
Grammar
Use of the word "Nothing" instead of "Anything"
Hi i believe i have a considerable grasp of the english language and its use. My pet hate is the incorrect use of spoken english.
I believe the word "nothing" is often used in sentences when in fact the correct word to use is in fact "anything".
Here are some examples or incorrect useage of the word Nothing:
"Yesterday we did not learn NOTHING in class.": i believe the word nothing should be replaced by the word anything
"You did not do nothing all day": i believe the word nothing should be replaced by the word anything
"You have not understood nothing that i have said": i believe the word nothing should be replaced by the word anything
"I did not do nothing wrong": i believe the word nothing should be replaced by the word anything
any comments are welcome directly to my email address Email Removed
Can you please advise if my belief in the correct use of the word anything as in above examples is correct and what is the actual grammatical rule that needs to be applied to determine when one uses the word nothing v's anything in a sentence.
I believe the word "nothing" is often used in sentences when in fact the correct word to use is in fact "anything".
Here are some examples or incorrect useage of the word Nothing:
"Yesterday we did not learn NOTHING in class.": i believe the word nothing should be replaced by the word anything
"You did not do nothing all day": i believe the word nothing should be replaced by the word anything
"You have not understood nothing that i have said": i believe the word nothing should be replaced by the word anything
"I did not do nothing wrong": i believe the word nothing should be replaced by the word anything
any comments are welcome directly to my email address Email Removed
Can you please advise if my belief in the correct use of the word anything as in above examples is correct and what is the actual grammatical rule that needs to be applied to determine when one uses the word nothing v's anything in a sentence.
Top answer
A double negative such as "didn't do nothing" is, in my opinion, not a very recommendable way of a speech. It usually sounds a bit unsophisticated except when you intend its use for a certain purpose. You suggested very wisely that it be replaced with an "anything" in the given context.
- A double negative such as "didn't do nothing" is, in my opinion, not a very recommendable way of a speech.
- It usually sounds a bit unsophisticated except when you intend its use for a certain purpose.
- You suggested very wisely that it be replaced with an "anything" in the given context.
- " Mirapence
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4 Answers
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A double negative such as "didn't do nothing" is, in my opinion, not a very recommendable way of a speech. It usually sounds a bit unsophisticated except when you intend its use for a certain purpose.
You suggested very wisely that it be replaced with an "anything" in the given context. One of the similar examples of them could be, "You ain't seen nothing yet."
Mirapence
You suggested very wisely that it be replaced with an "anything" in the given context. One of the similar examples of them could be, "You ain't seen nothing yet."
Mirapence
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Believe it or not some English people use double negatives. It wouldn't be the first time I have heard someone saying something like you don't need nobody else but me.
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One of the similar examples of them could be, "You ain't seen nothing yet."
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Rommie
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yup - in terms of standard english you are right,
but many ppl who SPEAK english use the construction that you don't like, and thunderbolts do not strike them dead and other ppl do not fail to understand them!
however, they may find it harder to get a job - as they may be judged as "un-educated" but even that is not necessarily a reasonable view!
but many ppl who SPEAK english use the construction that you don't like, and thunderbolts do not strike them dead and other ppl do not fail to understand them!
however, they may find it harder to get a job - as they may be judged as "un-educated" but even that is not necessarily a reasonable view!
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