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Rule "Double negative (e.g., 'not... nothing' instead of 'not... anything')"

This is one of many errors that LanguageTool can detect.

Description: Double negative (e.g., 'not... nothing' instead of 'not... anything')
By default, this rule is not active in LanguageTool
Message: This phrase contains a double negative, or a comma may be missing.
Category: Grammar (ID: GRAMMAR)
Incorrect sentences
that this rule can detect:
  • I didn't see nothing.
  • ... but there wasn’t nobody in the office.
Correct sentences
for comparison:
  • I didn’t see anything.
  • I couldn’t say no to Tom.
  • I couldn’t accept no for an answer.
  • I haven't said no yet.
  • I'm not taking no for an answer.
  • Tom didn't like not having enough money.
  • I can't believe nobody came to your party.
  • She did not mind not being allowed to cook.
ID: DOUBLE_NEGATIVE [13]
Version: 6.6-SNAPSHOT (2024-12-13 22:33:10 +0100)