Learn on PengiElements of Language, 5th CourseChapter 11: A Glossary of Usage: Common Usage Problems

Lesson 4: Glossary of Usage D

In this Grade 8 grammar lesson from Elements of Language, 5th Course, students learn to identify and correct double negatives by recognizing common negative words such as hardly, scarcely, never, and none, and understanding that standard usage requires only one negative word per idea. The lesson also introduces nonsexist language, teaching students to replace gender-specific terms with inclusive alternatives and to avoid using masculine singular pronouns to refer to indefinite pronouns like everyone or anyone.

Section 1

Double Negatives

Definition

Using two negative words for one negative idea is called a double negative.

Explanation

Think of it as a grammar rule: you only need one negative word to make a point! Using two negative words, like not and hardly, in the same thought can be confusing. Words like no, never, none, and scarcely are already negative, so avoid pairing them with another negative like not.

Examples

  • NONSTANDARD: I don't have no idea what is happening.

STANDARD: I have no idea what is happening.
STANDARD: I don't have any idea what is happening.

  • NONSTANDARD: He couldn't scarcely climb the rock wall.

STANDARD: He could scarcely climb the rock wall.
STANDARD: He couldn't climb the rock wall.

Section 2

Nonsexist Language

Definition

Nonsexist language is language that at once applies to both male and female people.

Explanation

Let's be inclusive! Your language should apply to everyone. This means swapping gender-specific job titles like policeman for neutral ones like police officer. Also, when using indefinite pronouns like everyone or each, avoid using 'he' as the default. Instead, you can rephrase the sentence to be more inclusive.

Examples

  • GENDER-SPECIFIC: The stewardess helped the passengers find their seats.

NONSEXIST: The flight attendant helped the passengers find their seats.

  • GENDER-SPECIFIC: Each person should bring his own water bottle.

NONSEXIST: All people should bring their own water bottles.

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Chapter 11: A Glossary of Usage: Common Usage Problems

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Section 1

Double Negatives

Definition

Using two negative words for one negative idea is called a double negative.

Explanation

Think of it as a grammar rule: you only need one negative word to make a point! Using two negative words, like not and hardly, in the same thought can be confusing. Words like no, never, none, and scarcely are already negative, so avoid pairing them with another negative like not.

Examples

  • NONSTANDARD: I don't have no idea what is happening.

STANDARD: I have no idea what is happening.
STANDARD: I don't have any idea what is happening.

  • NONSTANDARD: He couldn't scarcely climb the rock wall.

STANDARD: He could scarcely climb the rock wall.
STANDARD: He couldn't climb the rock wall.

Section 2

Nonsexist Language

Definition

Nonsexist language is language that at once applies to both male and female people.

Explanation

Let's be inclusive! Your language should apply to everyone. This means swapping gender-specific job titles like policeman for neutral ones like police officer. Also, when using indefinite pronouns like everyone or each, avoid using 'he' as the default. Instead, you can rephrase the sentence to be more inclusive.

Examples

  • GENDER-SPECIFIC: The stewardess helped the passengers find their seats.

NONSEXIST: The flight attendant helped the passengers find their seats.

  • GENDER-SPECIFIC: Each person should bring his own water bottle.

NONSEXIST: All people should bring their own water bottles.

Book overview

Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.

Continue this chapter

Chapter 11: A Glossary of Usage: Common Usage Problems

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    Lesson 1: Glossary of Usage A

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    Lesson 2: Glossary of Usage B

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    Lesson 3: Glossary of Usage C

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    Lesson 4: Glossary of Usage D

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