The
two negatives are equivalent to an affirmative.
Double Negatives
While two negatives in the same sentence destroy each other, a double
negative has the effect of a more
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exact and guarded affirmative; as, "It is not improbable that Congress
will convene in special session before the end of the summer." "It is
not unimportant that, he attend to the matter at once." "His story was
not incredible." "The fund was not inexhaustible."
Redundant Negatives
"No one else but the workmen had any business at the meeting." Omit
else.
"Let us see whether or not there was not a mistake in the record."
Omit either or not or the second not.
"The boat will not stop only when the signal flag is raised." Omit not
or change only to except.
"He will never return, I don't believe." Say, "He will never return,"
or, if that statement is two emphatic, say, "I don't believe he will
ever return."
Don't want none
"I don't want none," "I ain't got nothing," "He can't do no more," are
inelegant expressions that convey a meaning opposed to that intended.
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