Local Negation and Question Tags
Local negation is a fascinating aspect of English grammar where negation applies to a specific word or phrase without making the entire clause negative. This type of negation often involves double negatives, which can create understatements or nuanced meanings. Let's explore this concept in detail with examples and question tags.
Double Negative Phrases
Double negative phrases are a common form of local negation. They involve the use of not to negate an already negative word, resulting in a subtle, understated meaning. These phrases often require a gradable adjective or adverb as the head.
She's a not unattractive woman, isn't she? ['She is somewhat attractive.']
They made some not unintelligent observations, didn't they? ['They made fairly intelligent observations.']
They are paying a not inconsiderable amount in rent, aren't they? ['They are paying a rather considerable amount.']
The announcement was followed by a not unexpected silence, wasn't it? ['The silence was somewhat expected.']
I visit them not infrequently, don't I? ['I visit them fairly often.']
He writes not inelegantly, doesn't he? ['He writes rather elegantly.']
Negation with Content Disjuncts
Content disjuncts, especially those with negative prefixes or conveying unexpectedness, can also be negated locally. This creates a similar understated effect.
Not unnaturally, we rejected their complaint, didn't we? ['It was rather expected.']
Not surprisingly, they missed the train, didn't they? ['That's not surprising.']
Negation with Degree Adverbs
Local negation can also occur when not modifies a degree adverb, which in turn modifies a positive gradable adjective or adverb.
They own two not very fierce dogs, don't they? ['They own rather docile dogs.']
I saw a not too sympathetic report about you, didn't I? ['I saw a rather unsympathetic report.']
I visit them not very often, don't I? ['I don't visit them very often.']
Janet arrived not much earlier than Bob, didn't she? ['Janet arrived just a little earlier.']
Derek drives not as well as expected, doesn't he? ['Derek drives less well than expected.']
Negation with Quantifiers
Quantifiers like a few, a little, and little can be negated to create understatements.
They have not a few eccentrics in their family, don't they? ['They have quite a few eccentrics.']
I sensed not a little hostility in his manner, didn't I? ['I sensed quite a bit of hostility.']
They displayed no little interest in her progress, didn't they? ['They displayed considerable interest.']
Negation with Comparatives
Comparatives like more, less, and fewer can also be negated to create understatements.
You may take no more than an hour's break for lunch, may you? ['You may take only an hour's break.']
They'll pay you not less than ten dollars an hour, won't they? ['They'll pay you at least ten dollars.']
I have been able to collect no fewer than sixty signatures for the petition, haven't I? ['I have collected quite a few signatures.']
Negation with Prepositional Phrases
Prepositional phrases can also be negated locally, either as adjuncts or as postmodifiers in noun phrases.
He was decorated by none other than the President, wasn't he? ['He was decorated by the President himself.']
I'll give it to you for nothing, won't I? ['I'll give it to you for free.']
We cleared the table in no time, didn't we? ['We cleared the table very quickly.']
She replied with not a moment's hesitation, didn't she? ['She replied immediately.']
The brothers set out on their hike with never a worry in the world, didn't they? ['They set out without any worries.']
Our house has one wall with no windows, doesn't it? ['Our house has a windowless wall.']
It was a decision of no consequence, wasn't it? ['It was an inconsequential decision.']
Local Negation in Compressed Predications
Local negation can also appear in noun phrases that express a compressed predication.
No news is good news, isn't it? ['Receiving no news is good news.']
The company promised no victimization, didn't they? ['The company promised that there would be no victimization.']
Something is better than nothing, isn't it? ['Having something is better than having nothing.']
The children want nothing but television, don't they? ['The children want to do nothing but watch television.']
Local Negation vs. Clausal Negation
It's important to distinguish between local negation and clausal negation. Local negation does not cause subject-operator inversion, unlike clausal negation.
In no time we cleared the table, didn't we? ['We cleared the table within a short time.']
At no time was war as imminent as now, was it? ['War wasn't as imminent as now at any previous time.']
Not even ten years ago you could see such a film, couldn't you? ['You could see such a film as recently as ten years ago.']
Not even ten years ago could you see such a film, could you? ['You couldn't see such a film even ten years ago.']
(Even) with no coaching he will pass the exam, won't he? ['He will pass the exam (even) without coaching.']
With no coaching will he pass the exam, will he? ['Whatever coaching is provided will not enable him to pass the exam.']
