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Double Negatives – Quiz 1
Double Negatives Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the understanding of double negatives in English, including how to avoid them for clarity and when to use them intentionally for emphasis or style. It also tests the ability to identify and correct double negatives in sentences, understand their implications, and construct affirmative meanings from negative constructions.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
Which of the following sentences uses a double negative correctly? a) I don't need no help. b) I don't need any help. c) I don't need no help from nobody.
A) I don't need no help.
B) I don't need any help.
C) I don't need help.
D) I don't need no help from nobody.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because it uses a single negative "don't" with the positive "any help," which is grammatically acceptable in English to form a negative statement.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This sentence contains two negatives ("don't" and "no"), creating a double negative, which typically results in an affirmative meaning. It is incorrect.
Option B:
This sentence uses one negative ("don't") with the positive "any help," forming a grammatically correct negative statement. It is correct.
Option C:
While this option omits "no" and thus avoids the double negative, it does not use "any" which can sometimes be seen as less formal or clear in certain contexts. However, it remains acceptable.
Option D:
This sentence contains two negatives ("don't" and "no"), creating a double negative, which typically results in an affirmative meaning. It is incorrect.
2.
I don't not eat vegetables.
A) Correct.
B) Incorrect.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Double negatives in English grammar are generally considered incorrect and should be avoided as they can lead to confusion. The sentence "I don't not eat vegetables" contains a double negative ("don't not"), which makes the meaning unclear. A correct version would be "I do eat vegetables."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect, because it does not reflect the rule against double negatives.
Option B:
Correct, as it identifies the error in the sentence structure.
Option C:
Incorrect, because there is a correct answer among the options provided.
Option D:
Incorrect, because option B is valid and correct.
3.
Correct the sentence: "I never heard nothing like that before."
A) I have never heard nothing like that before.
B) I never heard something like that before.
C) I always heard nothing like that before.
D) I never heard anything like that before.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) I never heard anything like that before.
This sentence avoids the use of a double negative, which is grammatically incorrect in standard English. A double negative occurs when two negating words are used together to express an affirmative meaning, resulting in confusion or incorrect grammar.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect because it uses "never" and "nothing" as double negatives.
Option B:
Incorrect because it introduces a positive word ("something") where a negative is expected, creating a double negative.
Option C:
Incorrect because it contradicts the original statement by using "always" instead of "never."
Option D:
Correct as it uses "anything," which is the correct form to negate a past tense verb in this context, avoiding any double negatives.
4.
A football team gained 9 yards on one play and then lost 22 yards on the next. Write a sum of integers to find the overall change in field position.
A) -9 + (-22) =-13.
B) 9 + (-22) = 13.
C) 9 + (-22) =-13.
D) None.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is C) 9 + (-22) = -13 because the team gained 9 yards and then lost 22 yards. This can be represented as adding a positive integer (9) to a negative integer (-22), resulting in a net loss of 13 yards.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect, as it adds two negative numbers, which would result in a larger negative number.
Option B:
Incorrect, as it incorrectly results in a positive number when the overall change should be negative due to the loss of yards.
Option C:
Correct, as it accurately represents the gain and subsequent loss with the correct result.
Option D:
Incorrect, as there is a correct answer among the options provided.
5.
There isn't ..... on our team who plays as well as she does.
A) Anyone.
B) No one.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Double negatives in English are generally considered incorrect and should be avoided unless used for emphasis, which is not the case here. "Anyone" (Option A) correctly uses a single negative to express that there isn't anyone on the team who plays as well as she does.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses a single negative to convey the intended meaning.
Option B:
Incorrect. "No one" would be correct but doesn't fit the context of the sentence structure.
Option C:
Incorrect. "All the above" is not applicable as only Option A is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
6.
Identify the double negative in the following sentence:'I couldn't hardly believe my eyes.'
A) Wasn't unable.
B) Couldn't hardly.
C) Didn't barely.
D) Could hardly.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The double negative in the sentence 'I couldn't hardly believe my eyes' is correctly identified by option B) Couldn't hardly. A double negative occurs when two negatives are used together, which cancels out their meaning and often results in a positive statement unintentionally. In this case, "couldn't" (meaning unable to) combined with "hardly" (meaning almost not) creates a double negative that should be avoided for clarity.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. It does not identify the double negative in the sentence.
Option B:
Correct. Identifies "couldn't hardly" as the double negative.
Option C:
Incorrect. It suggests a different structure that is not present in the original sentence.
Option D:
Incorrect. It does not identify any double negative in the sentence.
7.
I don't want to drive all night.Is this sentences correct?
A) Yes.
B) No.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I don't want to drive all night" is grammatically correct and does not contain a double negative. A double negative occurs when two negating words are used in the same clause, which would create an affirmative meaning from a negative construction.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The sentence uses a single negative "don't" and is grammatically correct.
Option B:
Incorrect. The sentence does not contain a double negative.
Option C:
Incorrect. The sentence does not have any double negatives.
Option D:
Incorrect. There are no issues with the sentence that would make "None of the above" correct.
8.
The wind was so strong I ..... hardly stand.
A) Could.
B) Couldn't.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "The wind was so strong I could hardly stand" uses a double negative, where "hardly" negates the verb "stand," and "could not" is implied by "could hardly." In English grammar, a double negative typically results in a positive statement. However, this construction is often used for emphasis or to convey a stronger meaning of difficulty or inability.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Could - This option uses the verb "could" which implies ability and does not directly contradict the double negative structure.
Option B:
Couldn't - This would be a direct negation, making it grammatically incorrect in this context as it contradicts the intended meaning of difficulty.
Option C:
All the above - Incorrect because "could" and "couldn't" cannot both be correct simultaneously due to the double negative structure.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect because "could" is grammatically correct in this context despite being a double negative.
9.
Haven't you ..... size 10 dresses?
A) Any.
B) No.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Double negatives in English grammar create a positive meaning, turning the statement into an affirmative one. The phrase "haven't you" is a negative construction, and when combined with another negative word like "not," it cancels out to form a positive meaning. In this case, "haven't you any size 10 dresses?" implies that there are some size 10 dresses available, making option A correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The double negative results in an affirmative statement indicating the existence of at least one size 10 dress.
Option B:
Incorrect. "No" would imply there are no size 10 dresses, which contradicts the meaning of the sentence.
Option C:
Incorrect. "All the above" is not applicable since only one option (A) is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. "None of the above" is incorrect because option A is indeed correct.
10.
Which sentence avoids a double negative?
A) I didn't see nothing at all.
B) I didn't see nothing unusual.
C) I didn't see no unusual thing.
D) I didn't see anything unusual.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option D is correct because it avoids a double negative. In English, using two negatives in a sentence cancels out their meanings and creates an affirmative statement. For example:
- Option A: "I didn't see nothing at all" means "I saw something," which is incorrect.
- Option B: "I didn't see nothing unusual" still contains a double negative, making it grammatically incorrect.
- Option C: "I didn't see no unusual thing" also has a double negative and is incorrect.
Option D uses the correct form by saying "anything unusual," which properly conveys that the speaker did not observe anything unusual.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Contains a double negative, making it grammatically incorrect.
Option B:
Still contains a double negative despite rephrasing slightly.
Option C:
Uses "no" and "thing," creating a double negative.
Option D:
Correctly avoids a double negative by using "anything unusual."
11.
We shouldn't never go across that river.Is this sentences correct?
A) Yes.
B) No.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "We shouldn't never go across that river" is incorrect because it contains a double negative, which results in a positive meaning. In English grammar, using two negatives together cancels out their meanings and creates an affirmative statement. The correct form would be "We should not go across that river."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as the sentence is not grammatically correct.
Option B:
Correct, the sentence contains a double negative and is therefore incorrect.
Option C:
Incorrect as it suggests all options are correct, which they are not.
Option D:
Incorrect as there is one correct option.
12.
Choose the sentence that correctly avoids a double negative.
A) Ella doesn't have no more time to practice her trumpet.
B) Ella doesn't have any more time to practice her trumpet.
C) Ella has no more time to practice her trumpet.
D) Both B and C are correct.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Both B and C are correct because they avoid the use of double negatives, which is a grammatical rule in English stating that two negative words should not be used together to form a single negative meaning. In option A, "doesn't have no more time" creates a double negative, making it incorrect.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect due to the use of double negatives.
Option B:
Correct as it uses "any more" without another negative word.
Option C:
Correct as it directly states there is no more time, avoiding a double negative.
Option D:
Correct because options B and C are both free from double negatives.
13.
Jordan hasn't never owned a dog before. In the sentence, hasn't never owned should be written .....
A) No change needed.
B) Hasn't ever owned.
C) Didn't never owned.
D) Couldn't never owned.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Hasn't ever owned.
This option correctly eliminates the double negative, which is grammatically incorrect in English. "Hasn't never" creates a contradiction because "hasn't" already negates the statement, and adding "never" would create an unnecessary second negation.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
No change needed. This is incorrect as it maintains the double negative.
Option B:
Hasn't ever owned. This option correctly removes the double negative, making the sentence grammatically correct.
Option C:
Didn't never owned. This is also a double negative and thus incorrect.
Option D:
Couldn't never owned. This introduces an auxiliary verb "could" which changes the meaning of the sentence, making it incorrect in this context.
14.
There isn't ..... mail delivery on a holiday.
A) Any.
B) No.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Double negatives are used to create a positive statement, but in this sentence, no such construction is present. The phrase "There isn't" already negates the existence of mail delivery, making option B incorrect as it would imply an additional negative that doesn’t exist.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Any" maintains the negative form without creating a double negative.
Option B:
Incorrect. Adding "no" would create a double negative ("There isn't no mail delivery").
Option C:
Incorrect. This option suggests all options are correct, which is not true.
Option D:
Incorrect. None of the other options are correct.
15.
Helen doesn't not know how to use chopsticks.Is this sentences correct?
A) Yes.
B) No.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Helen doesn't not know how to use chopsticks" contains a double negative, which in English typically results in a positive statement. The correct form should be "Helen doesn't know how to use chopsticks." Therefore, the original sentence is incorrect.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as it suggests the sentence is correct.
Option B:
Correct as it identifies the error in double negatives.
Option C:
Incorrect as "All the above" would imply both options A and B are correct, which they are not.
Option D:
Incorrect as there is a correct answer among the choices provided.
16.
Which sentence is NONSTANDARD because of a double negative?
A) He could hardly talk.
B) He couldn't talk.
C) He couldn't hardly talk.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C is the correct answer because it contains a double negative, which results in an incorrect sentence structure. In English grammar, using two negatives together often cancels out their meaning and can make the statement confusing or nonsensical. For example, "He couldn't hardly talk" implies that he could talk to some extent, but the use of both "couldn't" and "hardly" together makes it unclear.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This sentence is standard; "hardly" modifies "talk," indicating a difficulty in speaking.
Option B:
This sentence is also standard, using the negative form correctly to indicate inability to talk.
Option C:
This option uses double negatives ("couldn't hardly"), making it nonstandard and confusing.
Option D:
Since Option C is identified as nonstandard due to double negatives, this choice is incorrect.
17.
Travis and his brother don't know nothing about the movie. In the sentence, don't know nothing should be written-
A) Do not know nothing.
B) No change needed.
C) Doesn't know nothing.
D) Don't know anything.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Travis and his brother don't know nothing about the movie" uses a double negative, which is generally considered incorrect in standard English grammar. The correct form should eliminate one of the negatives to make the meaning clear.
Option D) Don't know anything correctly removes the double negative by replacing "nothing" with "anything," making the sentence grammatically correct and clear.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
This option incorrectly adds another negative, creating a triple negative which is even more incorrect.
Option B:
No change needed implies the original double negative is acceptable, which it is not in standard English grammar.
Option C:
Doesn't know nothing uses a different subject form and keeps both negatives, making it incorrect.
Option D:
Don't know anything correctly removes one of the negatives to make the sentence grammatically correct and clear.
18.
Isn't there ..... you want for Christmas?
A) Nothing.
B) Anything.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Isn't there ..... you want for Christmas?" is an example of a double negative, which in English grammar typically results in a positive meaning. The phrase "isn't there" already implies a negative form, and adding another negative word like "nothing" would create a double negative, making the statement grammatically incorrect.
Option B ("Anything") uses a single negative, maintaining the intended question format without creating a double negative.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Using "Nothing" creates a double negative with "isn't there."
Option B:
Correct. Uses a single negative, maintaining the intended question format.
Option C:
Incorrect. "All the above" would include Option A, which is incorrect.
Option D:
Incorrect. "None of the above" does not address the double negative issue correctly.
19.
Correct the sentence: "There isn't no reason to worry."
A) There isn't no reason to be concerned.
B) There is no reason to worry.
C) There is every reason to worry.
D) There isn't any reason to worry.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
D) There isn't any reason to worry.
This sentence uses a double negative correctly, as "isn't" and "any" together form a positive statement meaning there are no reasons for concern.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; using "isn't no" creates a double negative that cancels out to an affirmative, which is grammatically incorrect in this context.
Option B:
Correct but not the best choice as it uses a single negative rather than a double negative, though still correct in meaning.
Option C:
Incorrect; "every reason" with "to worry" creates a double negative that is grammatically incorrect and implies there are reasons to be worried.
Option D:
Correct and uses the double negative properly, making it clear there isn't any reason for concern.
20.
I don't hear ..... barking
A) Any.
B) No.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "I don't hear any barking" uses a double negative, which is generally avoided in standard English to avoid ambiguity and strengthen the meaning. "Any" negates the possibility of hearing barking, making Option A correct as it aligns with proper usage.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses a single negative ("don't") combined with "any," which together negate the possibility of hearing barking.
Option B:
Incorrect. "No" would be redundant and create a double negative, making the sentence grammatically incorrect in standard English.
Option C:
Incorrect. This option suggests all options are correct, which is not the case due to the rule against double negatives.
Option D:
Incorrect. "None of the above" would imply no correct answer exists, but Option A is valid in this context.
21.
Which of the following sentences does not contain a double negative?
A) I don't want anything.
B) I ain't got no money.
C) I can't hardly wait.
D) I don't need no help.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option A, "I don't want anything," does not contain a double negative. It uses a single negative ("don't") to express the absence of desire for something.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
No double negatives.
Option B:
Contains "ain't got no," which is a colloquial form but still includes two negatives ("ain't" and "no").
Option C:
Includes "can't hardly wait," where "can't" means inability, and "hardly" negates the ability to wait. This creates a double negative.
Option D:
Contains "don't need no," which includes two negatives ("don't" and "no").
22.
What is the correct way to say 'I can't get no satisfaction'?
A) I can't get any satisfaction.
B) I can't get much satisfaction.
C) I can't get some satisfaction.
D) I can't get a little satisfaction.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct way to say "I can't get no satisfaction" is
Option A: I can't get any satisfaction.
This is because in English, double negatives are generally avoided for clarity and correctness. However, the phrase "can't get no" is a colloquialism that intentionally uses a double negative to create emphasis or a specific tone, often found in rock music lyrics like The Rolling Stones' famous song title.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses a single negative for clarity while maintaining the intended meaning.
Option B:
Incorrect. Introduces an unnecessary positive, weakening the intended emphasis.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Some" is not appropriate here as it implies there might be satisfaction available but you haven't found it yet.
Option D:
Incorrect. "A little" is too mild and doesn't capture the strong negative sentiment of the original phrase.
23.
Identify the double negative: "You can't get no better than this."
A) Can't no.
B) Can't better.
C) Can't get better.
D) Get no.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The double negative in the sentence "You can't get no better than this" is correctly identified by Option A: Can't no. In English, a double negative occurs when two negating words are used together to form an affirmative meaning or another negative that cancels out the first one.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Can't" and "no" together create a double negative.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Can't better" is not a double negative; it's just a negative with an adjective.
Option C:
Incorrect. While "can't get better" is grammatically correct, it does not form a double negative in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Get no" alone does not create a double negative; it needs the verb "can't" to form one with "no".
24.
Choose the correct contraction.Toad should not go on adventures alone.
A) Shouldn't.
B) Should.
C) Has.
D) Won't.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct contraction is
shouldn't
. This is because the sentence uses a negative auxiliary verb "should not," which should be contracted to "shouldn't." The other options are incorrect: "Should" does not include a negation, "Has" is unrelated, and "Won't" implies a future tense that is not present in the original sentence.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses proper contraction of should not.
Option B:
Incorrect. Does not include negation.
Option C:
Incorrect. Irrelevant to the sentence structure.
Option D:
Incorrect. Implies future tense, which is not present in the original sentence.
25.
Please don't ..... tell her that I read her journal
A) Never.
B) Ever.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) Ever.
This option aligns with the principle of double negatives in English, where a negative statement should not include another negative word to maintain grammatical correctness and clarity. "Never" would be redundant ("Please don't never..."), while "Ever" correctly conveys the intended meaning without creating a double negative.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Never creates a double negative with "don't."
Option B:
Ever is correct as it avoids a double negative.
Option C:
All the above includes an incorrect option, making it invalid.
Option D:
None of the above is incorrect since Option B is valid.
26.
I (do, do not) want to see anything on television this evening.
A) Do.
B) Do not.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Double negatives in English are generally considered incorrect and should be avoided to ensure clarity. In the given sentence, "I do not want to see anything on television this evening," using a double negative ("do not") is correct because it clearly conveys that you do not wish to watch any television programs.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as it uses an affirmative statement which contradicts the intended meaning.
Option B:
Correct, using a double negative properly negates the sentence's meaning.
Option C:
Incorrect as "all the above" would imply both options A and B are correct, which is not the case here.
Option D:
Incorrect as there is a correct answer among the given choices.
27.
Kimione was not carrying ..... packages.
A) No.
B) Any.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Double negatives in English grammar typically cancel each other out, resulting in a positive statement. In the sentence "Kimione was not carrying ..... packages," the phrase "was not" is a double negative with "carrying." This construction implies that Kimione did carry some packages, making options A and D incorrect since they suggest no or none of the packages were carried.
Option B correctly uses "any," which aligns with the rule that "not any" means something was present. Thus, "Kimione was not carrying any packages" indicates she did carry at least one package.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; implies no packages were carried.
Option B:
Correct; properly uses double negative to imply some packages were carried.
Option C:
Irrelevant; all options are analyzed here.
Option D:
Incorrect; implies no packages were carried.
28.
I can't think of ..... to add to this list.
A) Nothing.
B) Anything.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The phrase "I can't think of anything to add to this list" is correct because it uses a negative statement followed by a positive one, which is the structure of a double negative in English. The word "anything" here functions as a positive element that negates the inability to think of something.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Nothing" would be a single negative and not appropriate for this context.
Option B:
Correct. "Anything" is used correctly here as it negates the inability to think of something, forming a double negative structure.
Option C:
Incorrect. This option suggests using both "nothing" and "anything," which would be redundant in this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. There is a correct answer among the options provided.
29.
They shouldn't play basketball inside the house.
A) Correct.
B) Incorrect.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Double negatives in English create a positive meaning, which is not the case here. "They shouldn't play basketball inside the house" uses a negative modal verb ("shouldn't") to express a prohibition, making it grammatically correct as intended.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. The sentence correctly uses a double negative to convey a negative meaning.
Option B:
Incorrect. This option is not applicable since the sentence is grammatically correct in its use of double negatives.
Option C:
All the above. Not applicable as Option A is correct and Option B is incorrect.
Option D:
None of the above. Not applicable as Option A is correct.
30.
Correct the sentence: "They didn't do nothing wrong."
A) They did anything wrong.
B) They didn't do anything wrong.
C) They did nothing wrong.
D) They didn't do no wrong.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) They didn't do anything wrong.
This sentence avoids the use of a double negative, which can be confusing and grammatically incorrect in English. A double negative occurs when two negative words are used together to express a positive meaning, but in this case, it simply clarifies that no wrongdoing occurred.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect as "anything" is redundant with the negation.
Option B:
Correct for avoiding double negatives and clearly stating no wrong actions were performed.
Option C:
While grammatically correct, it uses a double negative ("nothing wrong").
Option D:
Incorrect as "no wrong" is still a double negative.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are double negatives?
Double negatives occur when two negative words are used in the same sentence, which can create a positive meaning or confusion. For example, saying "I don't have no money" is a double negative.
Why should we avoid using double negatives?
Avoiding double negatives helps to make sentences clearer and more precise. Using them can lead to ambiguity or misunderstandings, especially in formal writing.
Can you give an example of a sentence with a double negative?
Sure! A sentence like "She isn't not happy" is an example of a double negative, where the meaning intended might be that she is happy.
How do you correct a double negative?
To correct a double negative, you can remove one of the negative words or replace it with a positive word. For example, "I don't have no money" could be corrected to "I have some money."
Are there any situations where double negatives are acceptable?
Double negatives can sometimes be used in informal speech or certain dialects, but they are generally avoided in standard English to maintain clarity and precision.