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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. Visit the LanguageTool homepage to use it online or download it for free.

Description: Double negative (e.g., 'not... nothing' instead of 'not... anything')
Message: This phrase contains a double negative, or a comma may be missing.
Category: Grammar (ID: GRAMMAR)
Incorrect sentences
that this rule can detect:
  • She couldn't hardly understand a word.
    Correction suggestion: could hardly
  • She can't hardly understand a word.
    Correction suggestion: can hardly
Correct sentences
for comparison:
  • She can hardly speak.
Pattern: Show XML · Show in Rule Editor
Check the following text against just this rule:

ID: DOUBLE_NEGATIVE [18]
Version: 6.5-SNAPSHOT (2024-09-26 16:45:37 +0000)