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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.
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.
Pattern: Show XML · Show in Rule Editor
Check the following text against just this rule:

ID: DOUBLE_NEGATIVE [3]
Version: 6.5-SNAPSHOT (2024-03-28 22:33:07 +0100)