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My opinion is that, in the English language and not maths or programming, a
double negative is *not* equal to a positive. A double negative reinforces
the negative.
However, I avoid double negatives, even in technical writing <g>.
Furthermore, I also strive to only use positive statements, rather than
negative ones, usually by using the word "only." (That shows my position on
the other "grammar question du jour, doesn't it"?)
All the best.
Sean
sean -at- quodata -dot- com
>>>-----Original Message-----
>>>From: Johnson, Dick D [mailto:Dick -dot- Johnson2db8ef -at- PSS -dot- BOEING -dot- COM]
>>>Sent: Thursday, July 01, 1999 10:01 AM
>>>To: TECHWR-L -at- LISTSERV -dot- OKSTATE -dot- EDU
>>>Subject:
>>>
>>>
>>>By logic, double negatives cancel each other.
