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[Tangent] > And this isn't to say that some companies aren't pathologically incapable of delivering software... "isn't", "aren't", "incapable" Three back-to-
by 2143 4y ago
[Tangent]
> And this isn't to say that some companies aren't pathologically incapable of delivering software...
"isn't", "aren't", "incapable"
Three back-to-back negatives have me confused. Somewhat mysteriously, I (think I) understand what it means when I read it quickly, but if I pause to think I get confused. English isn't my first language :)
Update: Thanks for editing to make it clearer!
- unlikelymordant 4y agoNegatives cancel, so I think you cancel the first 2 and get "this is to say that some companies are pathologically incapable of delivering software", which reads a bit nicer
- 2143 4y agoGenerally that works but sometimes it doesn't. For example, some people say statements like "I don't want no towels". What they really meant: "I don't want towels" What I get if I cancel the negatives: "I do want towels" The meaning flipped :)
- ethbr0 4y agoDouble-negatives in the "not+no" formulation tend to be a special case. The easiest rule (as you realized) would be "If there's a 'no' before the noun (direct object?), in an already negated phrase, then ignore the 'no'". It's technically incorrect but common English.
- OJFord 4y agoThat is incorrect usage though; every rule 'generally works but sometimes doesn't' if we account for people not observing it.
- oneeyedpigeon 4y agoBut pointing out that language rules aren't something that people strictly adhere to, with rigorous logic, is a useful observation.
- OJFord 4y agoUndoubtedly, but it was a response to someone explaining how to use English (correctly), not how to understand someone else using English (possibly incorrectly). If I say 'proper nouns have a capital first letter' I don't think 'actually oliver sometimes people don't do that' is helpful.
- pcthrowaway 4y ago> That is incorrect usage though We don't need no education
- OJFord 4y agoYou wouldn't be here quoting that line if it were correct.
- deleted 4y ago[deleted]
- ethbr0 4y agoPoint. Edited and hopefully clearer. I try to keep non-first language readers in mind, but vernacular crept in before a second cup of coffee. IMHO, "this isn't to say" is a common expression in English, so I didn't register it as a negative. But you're absolutely correct.