Understanding Double Negatives
A Grade 8 ELA worksheet focusing on identifying and correcting double negatives in sentences.
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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 is a Double Negative?
A double negative occurs when two negative words are used in the same sentence. In standard English, this creates a positive meaning or makes the sentence grammatically incorrect and confusing. For example, 'I don't have no money' technically means 'I have money.' We will practice identifying and correcting these errors.
1. Which of the following sentences contains a double negative?
She hardly ever goes to the movies.
I couldn't find my keys anywhere.
They didn't have no idea what to do.
He rarely eats dessert.
2. The sentence 'She isn't never late' is grammatically correct.
True
False
3. Rewrite the following sentence to correct the double negative:
I don't have no time for games.
4. Explain why using a double negative is generally considered incorrect in standard English.
5. Match each sentence with a double negative to its correct revision.
a. She couldn't barely see.
i. I have nothing to do.
b. I ain't got no money.
ii. She could barely see.
c. He didn't say nothing.
iii. I don't have any money.
d. I don't have nothing to do.
iv. He didn't say anything.
6. Rewrite the following sentences, correcting any double negatives. If a sentence has no double negative, write 'Correct'.
a. You shouldn't never give up.
b. There isn't nothing left to eat.
c. We have no other choice.