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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')
Message: This phrase contains a double negative.
Category: Grammar (ID: GRAMMAR)
Link: https://languagetool.org/insights/post/double-negatives/
Incorrect sentences
that this rule can detect:
  • Nobody told me nothing.
    Correction suggestion: anything
  • I'm not speaking to nobody in this class.
    Correction suggestion: anybody
  • I didn't notice nothing wrong.
    Correction suggestion: anything
  • I didn't see nothing.
    Correction suggestion: anything
Correct sentences
for comparison:
  • Tom wasn't surprised nobody else was there.
  • 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.
  • Those who possess nothing lose nothing.
  • I can't believe nobody came to your party.
  • They didn't die for nothing.
  • If slavery is not wrong, nothing is wrong
  • It doesn't matter if nobody comes.
  • You ain't seen nothing yet.
ID: DOUBLE_NEGATIVE [3]
Version: 6.6-SNAPSHOT (2024-12-02 22:33:09 +0100)