4 ms·
Generally 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 to
by 2143 4y ago
Generally 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.