Double Negative Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: L.4.1-L.5.1

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

Double negatives are formed when two negative words are found in the same sentences. Double negatives can also be formed within the construction of a single clause. Using a double negative will often end up turning two negative thoughts into a positive thought. When words are used in this manner it can often leave the reader confused. You will find this form language used more often in slang and art forms such as lyrics to songs. The worksheets in this section will help students spot the use of double negatives and provide them with a path towards rewriting their sentences.

Double Negatives Worksheets:

Avoiding Double Negatives – Find the double negative in each sentence. Rewrite the sentence so that it has only one negative.

The Double Negative – Choose the correct word(s) to complete each sentence.

Negative Pairs – Choose the sentence from each pair that is written correctly.

Using Prefixes – Rewrite each sentence to correct the double negative.

Dread the Negativity – Choose words to fill in the blank that avoid the double negative.

Negatives with Negative Words – Be careful not to accidentally create a double negative in your sentence when using these words.

CORRECTION – Rewrite each sentence to correct the double negative.

Feeling So Negative – Some words have a negative connotation, and it is possible to accidentally create a double negative when using these words in a sentence.

Is the Double Negative Always Wrong? – Sometimes writers will break grammatical rules for effect. Read this short passage from Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Then answer the questions.

Making Corrections – Underline the double negative. Then rewrite each sentence that contains a double negative on the lines below.

Thumbs Down – Correct each sentence by getting rid of the double negative.

Elimination – Correct each sentence by getting rid of the double negative. Eliminate or change words, as necessary. If a sentence is correct, write C on the line.

Correct Double Negatives in Two Ways – Revise each sentence in two ways to correct the double negative.

Stay Away – Rewrite each sentence to eliminate the double negative.

Negative Prefixes – Each of the words below contains a negative prefix. Write a sentence with each word that conveys the meaning indicated.

What Are Double Negatives?


The casual and informal styles of speaking and writing English have given birth to so many new terms. While some of these might be helpful in understanding, most of them are grammatically incorrect and a hindrance towards understanding the real meaning of the sentence. One of these terms is the double negative. A double negative is a grammatical construction in which two negative elements are used within a single sentence. Such sentences are used to depict negation, but they can become quite vague. They can have some uncertainty in them as they are difficult to understand. Here are some examples of sentences with double negatives:


There ain't no sales this month.
I don't get no money.
There aren't no fruits in the fridge.


Double negatives can be really confusing. Sentences with double negatives in them are grammatically incorrect. Hence, their use should be avoided. They can cause a misunderstanding in the meaning of the context. Here are some ways with which you can avoid the use of double negatives in a sentence.


Avoid Double Words


Double negatives form when two words of negation are used side by side. Try to avoid using double words that give the same meaning in a sentence. They can cause confusion and misunderstanding. If you often structure your sentences like this, then it is time to change your sentence forming.


Avoid Adding Prefixes


There are certain prefixes that you can add to the word to make it negative. These prefixes can make the word opposite to its meaning. Such prefixes include un, in, dis, nor. Avoid using such words in a sentence when you are already using another negative in the sentence. They can puzzle the reader a lot. For example,


It was not a wise decision.
It was not an unwise decision.


Both of these sentences convey different meanings. Use your words wisely to make it understandable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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