Here's a breakdown:
* Single negative: "I don't want to go." (meaning: I do not want to go)
* Double negative: "I don't want to go no where." (meaning: I do want to go somewhere)
Common double negatives:
* "Not... no" - "I don't want to go no where."
* "Not... never" - "I didn't never see that."
* "Not... nothing" - "I didn't say nothing."
Why are double negatives considered grammatically incorrect?
Double negatives are often considered grammatically incorrect in formal English because they can be confusing and create ambiguity. The intended meaning of a sentence with double negatives is often the opposite of what is literally stated.
However, there are exceptions:
* In some dialects: Double negatives are common in certain dialects of English, particularly in Southern American English.
* For emphasis: Sometimes double negatives are used for emphasis or a humorous effect, even in formal writing.
Example: "I didn't see nothing! I was looking right at it."
It's important to note that double negatives can be tricky! If you're unsure whether your use is correct, it's always best to use a single negative for clarity.