Spocik  +  327251 Sat, 10 Feb 07 11:35 AM Hello What is the purpose of using two negatives in one sentence? I.e: I don't tell you no lies Is it only colloquial, acceptable usage? Or is it totally incorrect? I have seen much sentences like this one, but every reference book I have seen tells that it is incorrect to use double negatives. Is it acceptable? Why do people use these constructions? Spocik Joined on Sun, Oct 8 2006 Poland New Member 38 Constructions, Negatives

	nona the brit  +  327253 Sat, 10 Feb 07 11:37 AM It is not acceptable in 'standard' English. Some people do use these constructions colloquially. It is, however, seen as rather 'uneducated'. nona the brit Joined on Wed, Sep 22 2004 England Veteran Member 11,713 The name says it all. Constructions

	Marvin A.  +  327351 Sat, 10 Feb 07 04:55 PM I reckon that that particular sentence would not be understood by most people. Does it mean that you do or you don't tell lies? Marvin A. Joined on Fri, Dec 8 2006 Regular Member 638

	Philip  +  327353 Sat, 10 Feb 07 04:58 PM  Spocik wrote: Hello What is the purpose of using two negatives in one sentence? I.e: I don't tell you no lies Is it only colloquial, acceptable usage? Or is it totally incorrect? I have seen much sentences like this one, but every reference book I have seen tells that it is incorrect to use double negatives. Is it acceptable? Why do people use these constructions?  If they know correct English, people will use it for emphasis, but only in informal situations.  One of my favorites, to mean "it doesn't make any difference to me" is "it don't make me no never-mind". Philip Joined on Thu, Jun 23 2005 Veteran Member 8,738 At reise er at leve! - H. C. Andersen Constructions, Negatives

	Lil' Ruby Rose  +  327431 Sat, 10 Feb 07 06:31 PM Ain't no sunshine when she's gone... Ain't no mountain high enough... In conversation, though, in the UK, it would be understood but not used very often other than in some strong London accents. Lil' Ruby Rose Joined on Wed, Dec 20 2006 Regular Member 879 Enlightenment is always preceded by confusion. Conversations, Accents