Identify the sentence that contains a double negative.

Prepare for the ACT Conventions of Standard English Test with our interactive questions, detailed hints, and explanations. Enhance your grammar skills and boost your exam confidence!

Multiple Choice

Identify the sentence that contains a double negative.

Explanation:
Double negatives happen when two negative words are used together in a way that can cancel or blur the intended meaning. The sentence that contains a double negative is the one with both not and nothing: “I did not forget nothing.” Here, two negative markers stack in the same clause, which makes the meaning unclear in formal writing. In standard usage, you’d express the negation with a single negative either by saying “I did not forget anything” or “I forgot nothing.” The other sentences use only one negative element, so they don’t carry a double negative.

Double negatives happen when two negative words are used together in a way that can cancel or blur the intended meaning. The sentence that contains a double negative is the one with both not and nothing: “I did not forget nothing.” Here, two negative markers stack in the same clause, which makes the meaning unclear in formal writing. In standard usage, you’d express the negation with a single negative either by saying “I did not forget anything” or “I forgot nothing.” The other sentences use only one negative element, so they don’t carry a double negative.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy