What is a double negative?

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What is a double negative?

A double negative is a grammatical construction that occurs when two negative words or expressions are used in the same clause, resulting in a positive meaning. In standard English grammar, double negatives are considered non-standard or incorrect usage. The purpose of using a negative word or expression is to negate or deny a statement, but when two negatives are used together, they cancel each other out and create a positive meaning. For example, the sentence "I don't have no money" is a double negative because both "don't" and "no" are negative words. The correct form would be "I don't have any money" or "I have no money." Double negatives can lead to confusion or ambiguity in communication, so it is important to avoid using them in formal writing or speech.