LanguageTool Community

<< return to list of rules

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. Try using '\6' instead.
Category: Grammar (ID: GRAMMAR)
Incorrect sentences
that this rule can detect:
  • I can't find my keys nowhere.
    Correction suggestion: anywhere
Correct sentences
for comparison:
  • Tom doesn't trust anybody and nobody trusts him.
  • Mary doesn't like anybody and nobody likes her.
  • Tom and Mary don't like anybody and nobody likes them.
Pattern: Show XML · Show in Rule Editor
Check the following text against just this rule:

ID: DOUBLE_NEGATIVE [23]
Version: 6.5-SNAPSHOT (2024-09-26 16:45:37 +0000)