Conventions of Composition Rule 188

Rule: Avoid double negatives. Hardly and scarcely, though they don’t begin with an n, are negative.

Note: Sometimes a double negative can be used to make a point about an extreme positive. This technique is called litotes. For example, Michael Jordan wasn't the worst basketball player everimplies (correctly) that he was truly extraordinary.

Examples:

Wrong: He couldn’t hardly believe his good luck.

Better: He could hardly believe his good luck.

Also better: He couldn’t believe his good luck.

Wrong: Nia didn't want none of the boring shoes.

Better: Nia didn't want any of the boring shoes.

Also better: Nia wanted only the exciting shoes.

Practice eliminating double negatives:

1. Nan and Fedor couldn't hardly think about eating again after that huge meal.
2. Marquis did not have no strong feelings about the musical he saw with Manon.
3. Haruto didn't bring scarcely any warm clothes to Lakeville.

Resources for further explanation of double negatives:

Oxford's Dictionary's What is a Double Negative?

Literary Device's Litotes