| 词组 | multiple negatives i couldn t see nobody |
| 释义 | Contents overview multiple negatives : I couldn't see nobody.220 multiple negatives: I couldn't see nobody.1English and other languagesIn some languages, a negative idea is expressed both by the verb and by accompanying pronouns or adverbs. In standard English, one negative word is normally enough.I opened the door, but I couldn't see anybody / I could see nobody. (not … but I couldn't see nobody.) Tell them nothing. (not Don't tell them nothing.)Your suggestion will help neither of us. (not … won't help neither …)Nothing matters now – everything's finished. (not Nothing doesn't matter …)I've never understood what she wants. (not I haven't never understood …)2nobody and not anybody, etcNobody, nothing, never, etc are rather emphatic. We often prefer to use not anybody, not anything, not ever, etc. Note that anybody, anything, ever, etc are not themselves negative words (222) – they have to be used with not to give a negative meaning.I opened the door, but I couldn't see anybody. (not … but I could see anybody.)Don't tell them anything.Your suggestion won't help either of us.At the beginning of a clause, only nobody, nothing, etc are used.Nothing matters. (not Not anything matters.)Nowhere is safe.3double and multiple negatives and their meaningTwo or more negative words can be used in one clause, but then both words normally have their full meaning. Compare:Say nothing. (= Be silent.)Don't just say nothing. Tell us what the problem is. (= Don't be silent …)Multiple negatives are sometimes used instead of simple positive structures for special stylistic effects. This is rather literary; in spoken English it can seem unnatural or old-fashioned.Not a day passes when I don't regret not having studied music in my youth. (More natural: Every day I regret not having studied music when I was younger. or I wish I had studied music when I was younger.)4dialectsIn many British, American and other dialects, two or more negatives can be used with a single negative meaning.I ain't seen nobody. (Standard English: I haven't seen anybody.)I ain't never done nothing to nobody, and I ain't never got nothing from nobody no time. (American song by Bert Williams)For more information about ain't, 337.4.5… I don't think, etcIn informal speech, expressions like I don't think or I don't suppose are often added after negative statements. In this case, the extra negative makes no difference to the meaning of the statement.She hasn't got much chance of passing the exam, I don't think.We won't be back before midnight, I don't suppose.6extra negative in expressions of doubtIn informal speech, a negative verb (without a negative meaning) is sometimes used after expressions of doubt or uncertainty.I shouldn't be surprised if they didn't get married soon. (= … if they got married soon.)I wonder whether I oughtn't to go and see a doctor – I'm feeling a bit funny. (= … whether I ought to …)Previous Next |
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