Double negatives: Not so easy!

A double negative is an error that occurs when two forms of negation are used in one clause. The two negatives cancel one another, producing an opposite (in other words, positive) meaning. For example, if you say “I didn't hear nothing,” you're actually saying “I heard something.” To correct the double negative, you could say “I didn't hear anything” or “I heard nothing.”

See if you can spot the double negatives, and indicate whether the sentences below are correct or incorrect.

1. Clarice hasn't barely started studying for her final exams.
2. Since she had spread rumours about Art, Goldie was not surprised that she had not been invited to his party.
3. It seldom doesn't rain in Eureka, Nunavut.
4. Shawn won't discuss his personal life with nobody.
5. Aunt Gladys didn't have none of the ingredients she needed to make butter tarts.
6. My cat won't sit on anyone's lap but mine.
7. Giuseppe's one-year-old son hardly ate nothing for dinner.
8. I’m not the only one in this house who hates broccoli.
9. Carolina never finds nothing she likes at garage sales.
10. I can’t seem to please them, no matter what I do.