Understanding Double Negatives
A Grade 7 ELA worksheet focusing on identifying and correcting double negatives in sentences, aligning with Common Core Language Standards.
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Understanding Double Negatives
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Read each section carefully and follow the instructions to complete the exercises on double negatives.
What are Double Negatives?
A double negative occurs when two negative words are used in the same sentence. In standard English, this creates a grammatical error because the two negatives cancel each other out, making the statement positive or unclear. For example, 'I don't have no money' technically means 'I do have money.' It's important to avoid double negatives to ensure your writing is clear and grammatically correct.
1. Which of the following sentences contains a double negative?
She hardly ever studies for tests.
They didn't see nobody at the park.
I have never been to Paris.
He couldn't find his keys anywhere.
Rewrite each sentence to correct the double negative. Make sure the meaning remains the same.
2. I don't have no time to finish my homework. I .
3. She couldn't hardly hear the music. She .
4. We aren't going nowhere for vacation. We .
Determine if the following statements about double negatives are true or false.
5. Using 'not' and 'never' in the same clause is an example of a double negative.
True
False
6. Explain why double negatives are considered incorrect in standard English grammar.
Match the incorrect sentence with its correct version.
7. I can't find my keys nowhere.
a. You hardly ever listen to me.
8. You don't never listen to me.
b. I can't find my keys anywhere.
9. He didn't tell nobody his secret.
c. He didn't tell anybody his secret.