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Questions and Answers
When negating a verb, we always negate the subject instead of the verb.
When negating a verb, we always negate the subject instead of the verb.
False
In formal writing, negative adjuncts at the start of a sentence always cause subject-operator inversion.
In formal writing, negative adjuncts at the start of a sentence always cause subject-operator inversion.
True
The phrase 'not many people came' implies the absence of all people.
The phrase 'not many people came' implies the absence of all people.
False
The adverb 'seldom' is always followed by assertive forms.
The adverb 'seldom' is always followed by assertive forms.
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The word 'only' is always an adverb.
The word 'only' is always an adverb.
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Sentences with two negatives always cancel each other out and sound positive.
Sentences with two negatives always cancel each other out and sound positive.
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Using multiple negatives in a sentence can improve readability.
Using multiple negatives in a sentence can improve readability.
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The verb 'deny' always takes an assertive form.
The verb 'deny' always takes an assertive form.
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The phrase 'without any delay' is an example of a positive phrase.
The phrase 'without any delay' is an example of a positive phrase.
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In formal writing, it's always best to use multiple negatives to convey a strong negative meaning.
In formal writing, it's always best to use multiple negatives to convey a strong negative meaning.
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Study Notes
Alternative Negative Elements
Negating the Verb vs. Negating Another Element
- Instead of negating the verb, another element of the sentence can be negated
- Example: "An honest man would not lie" (negate the verb) vs. "No honest man would lie" (negate the subject)
Negative Adjuncts and Inversion
- When negative adjuncts are made initial, there is inversion of subject and operator
- Example: "I will never make that mistake again" vs. "Never again will I make that mistake" (formal)
Scope of Negation
- The scope of negation can change the meaning of a sentence
- Example: "Many people did not come" (implies the absence of many people) vs. "Not many people came" (implies the presence of few people)
Words Negative in Meaning but Not in Form
- Certain adverbs and determiners are negative in meaning but not in appearance
- Examples:
- Seldom and rarely (adverbs meaning 'not often')
- Scarcely and hardly (adverbs meaning 'almost')
- Little and few (determiners or adverbs meaning 'not much and not many')
- Only (determiner or adverb meaning 'no more/other than')
- Barely (adverb meaning 'only just')
- Examples:
Characteristics of Negative Words
- These words are treated as negative forms for three reasons:
- They are followed by non-assertive rather than assertive forms
- When in pre-subject position, they normally cause subject-operator inversion
- They are followed by positive rather than negative tag questions
Double Negatives
- When two negatives are used in a sentence, they cancel each other out, making the sentence positive
- Double negatives can hinder readability and should be avoided where possible, but can also be used to create subtlety in meaning and implication
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Description
This quiz covers the different ways to express negation in English sentences, including negating verbs and other elements, as well as using negative adjuncts and inversion.
