AVOIDING DOUBLE NEGATIVES — EXERCISE 2 (ESL)
level: Intermediate (B1/B2)
Standard English only uses one negative element per clause. After a negative verb, use any- words rather than no- words. This exercise practices making the right choice in short conversations.
Choose the correct word or phrase to complete each short conversation. Remember: standard English only allows one negative element per clause.
1. Q: Do you have any brothers or sisters? A: No, I _____________ none.
Correct answer: have
2. Q: Did he tell you when he'd be back? A: No, _____________ told me anything.
Correct answer: nobody
3. Q: Did you see the teacher in the parking lot? A: No, I didn't see _____________.
Correct answer: anyone
4. Q: Can I borrow some sugar from you? A: I'm sorry, I don't have _____________.
Correct answer: any
5. Q: Are you going to be around for the next hour? A: I am. I'm not going _____________.
Correct answer: anywhere
6. Q: Would you like something to drink? A: No, I don't want _____________.
Correct answer: anything
7. Q: Can you spare some change? A: Sorry, I can't. I hardly have _____________ myself.
Correct answer: any
8. Q: Did she say where she was going this weekend? A: No, she _____________ nothing.
Correct answer: said
9. Q: Where are you going on vacation? A: _____________. I'm staying home and relaxing.
Correct answer: Nowhere
10. Q: What's Rebecca like? A: I wish I could tell you, but I _____________ know her.
Correct answer: barely
KEEP PRACTICING — MORE EXERCISES FOR YOU:
Avoiding double negatives is a sign of polished written English — these exercises target other common writing errors too.
More negation & writing exercises:
Avoiding double negatives 1 (B1/B2)
Sentence negation 1 (A1/A2)
Sentence negation 2 (A1/A2)
Comma splices 1 (B2/C1)
Dangling modifiers 1 (B2/C1)
Browse all grammar exercises →
Avoiding double negatives is a sign of polished written English — these exercises target other common writing errors too.
More negation & writing exercises:
Avoiding double negatives 1 (B1/B2)
Sentence negation 1 (A1/A2)
Sentence negation 2 (A1/A2)
Comma splices 1 (B2/C1)
Dangling modifiers 1 (B2/C1)
Browse all grammar exercises →
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