ANSWER: Double Negatives
Anonymous asks: What is a double negative.
With examples from X-Files
A double negative is when two negative words are used in a sentence. While it is acceptable in some instances to use a double negative, for the most part it just causes confusion because basically, one negative cancels the other.
In grammar context, negative verbs (cannot/can't, do not/don't, and have not/haven't) used alongside a negative pronoun (nothing, nobody), a negative adverb (hardly, barely or never), or a negative conjunction (neither, nor) are considered double negatives. When the negative verb is paired with another negative, the meaning turns on itself, becoming a positive statement.
Consider the following:
"I don't want nothing," the man said as he glared at Mulder.
"I can't hardly wait for tomorrow's headlines," Mulder said with enthusiasm.
Although the first example is understandable to most of us, it is still wrong in the literal sense. "I don't want nothing" literally means he does not want nothing, he wants something. The correct way to state what the man really wants is to write, "I don't want anything."
And in the second example, "I can't hardly wait for tomorrow's headlines," Mulder is saying that he really doesn't care whether he sees the headlines, which contradicts the enthusiastic way he spoke the words. The correct way for Mulder to state his desire is to write, "I can hardly wait for tomorrow's headlines," or "I can't wait for tomorrow's headlines."
With all that said, there are a few instances when using double negatives are acceptable. They are great for avoiding saying something outright.
"It's not inconceivable," Mulder said.
"Nor is it unacceptable," Scully replied.
Writing dialogue can be tricky, as we tend to want to use the jargon that our characters would use. Many people use double negatives on a daily basis. It would be out of character for them not to speak in the way they are used to speaking. As in my first example, the character would definitely say he "didn't do nothing" because it's the way he talks. But for the most part, it's better to use words that others can relate to. Just remember that two negatives equal a positive and you will be all set.
With examples from X-Files
A double negative is when two negative words are used in a sentence. While it is acceptable in some instances to use a double negative, for the most part it just causes confusion because basically, one negative cancels the other.
In grammar context, negative verbs (cannot/can't, do not/don't, and have not/haven't) used alongside a negative pronoun (nothing, nobody), a negative adverb (hardly, barely or never), or a negative conjunction (neither, nor) are considered double negatives. When the negative verb is paired with another negative, the meaning turns on itself, becoming a positive statement.
Consider the following:
"I don't want nothing," the man said as he glared at Mulder.
"I can't hardly wait for tomorrow's headlines," Mulder said with enthusiasm.
Although the first example is understandable to most of us, it is still wrong in the literal sense. "I don't want nothing" literally means he does not want nothing, he wants something. The correct way to state what the man really wants is to write, "I don't want anything."
And in the second example, "I can't hardly wait for tomorrow's headlines," Mulder is saying that he really doesn't care whether he sees the headlines, which contradicts the enthusiastic way he spoke the words. The correct way for Mulder to state his desire is to write, "I can hardly wait for tomorrow's headlines," or "I can't wait for tomorrow's headlines."
With all that said, there are a few instances when using double negatives are acceptable. They are great for avoiding saying something outright.
"It's not inconceivable," Mulder said.
"Nor is it unacceptable," Scully replied.
Writing dialogue can be tricky, as we tend to want to use the jargon that our characters would use. Many people use double negatives on a daily basis. It would be out of character for them not to speak in the way they are used to speaking. As in my first example, the character would definitely say he "didn't do nothing" because it's the way he talks. But for the most part, it's better to use words that others can relate to. Just remember that two negatives equal a positive and you will be all set.