Mastering Double Negatives
A Grade 11 ELA worksheet focusing on identifying and correcting double negatives in sentences to improve grammatical accuracy and clarity.
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Mastering Double Negatives
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Read each section carefully and follow the instructions provided. This worksheet will help you understand and correct double negatives in your writing.
What is a Double Negative?
A double negative occurs when two negative words are used in the same clause. In standard English, this construction is considered grammatically incorrect because the two negatives cancel each other out, often resulting in a positive meaning or, more commonly, an unclear and confusing statement. Common negative words include 'not,' 'no,' 'never,' 'none,' 'nobody,' 'nothing,' 'hardly,' 'scarcely,' and 'barely.'
Example: I don't have no money. (Incorrect)
Corrected: I don't have any money. OR I have no money.
1. Which of the following sentences contains a double negative?
She rarely goes to the library.
I couldn't barely hear the music.
He has no intention of leaving.
They never complain about anything.
Rewrite the following sentences to eliminate the double negative, maintaining the original meaning. Use the provided blanks.
2. She didn't say nothing about the meeting.
3. I can't hardly believe his story.
4. There isn't no milk left in the fridge.
Indicate whether the following statements about double negatives are True or False.
5. Using 'not' and 'never' in the same clause is always grammatically incorrect in standard English.
True
False
6. 'Scarcely' and 'barely' are considered negative words.
True
False
7. Explain why avoiding double negatives is important for clear and effective communication in academic writing.
8. Write two sentences. The first sentence should include a grammatically incorrect double negative. The second sentence should be the corrected version of the first, eliminating the double negative while retaining the original intent.