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Sentence Structure & Word Order

Double Negatives (e.g. I don’t know nothing)

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In standard English, using two negative words in the same sentence usually creates a grammar error called a double negative. This happens when two negative forms are used together — making the sentence unclear or even giving the opposite meaning.

What is a double negative?

A double negative occurs when two negative words (like not, don’t, nothing, never, no one) are used in the same clause. In English, only one negative word is needed to express a negative meaning.

  • ❌ I don’t know nothing about it. → ✅ I don’t know anything about it.
  • ❌ She didn’t see no one. → ✅ She didn’t see anyone.
  • ❌ We can’t find nothing to eat. → ✅ We can’t find anything to eat.

Why is it incorrect?

In English grammar, two negatives cancel each other out — so the sentence becomes confusing or even positive. For example, “I don’t know nothing” literally means “I know something” — which is likely not what the speaker intended.

What to use instead?

Use only one negative word in a sentence. If you use a verb with not or don’t, then follow it with a positive form like anything, anyone, or ever.

  • I don’t need anything.
  • She didn’t talk to anyone.
  • We haven’t heard from anybody yet.

💡 Tip

  • In English, use only one negative word per clause.
  • If you start with “don’t,” “can’t,” or “never,” follow it with any-words (anything, anyone, ever).
  • “Nothing,” “no one,” and “nobody” are already negative — don’t pair them with another negative verb.

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