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.

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.
ID: DOUBLE_NEGATIVE [18]
Version: 6.6-SNAPSHOT (2025-01-17 22:33:10 +0100)