In English, the single negative principle means that only one negative word is used to express a negative idea. When forming negative sentences, one should never double up on negative words. One negative is enough.

This lesson focuses on the words: anything, something and nothing, but the same principle is true for the pronouns: anybody, somebody and nobody.

The single negative in English

The introduction of the single negative in English is commonly attributed to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. Following the invasion, Old English speakers were exposed to Old French and new forms of Latin, both of which used a single negative for negation (e.g., ne or non). Over time, this influence helped shape the development of Modern English negation, which gradually moved away from the double negatives used in earlier stages of the language (as seen in Old English) to the single negative construction we use today. This change is likely to have occurred due to the simplification of syntactical structures and the merging of different linguistic influences.

An individual often credited with formalising the use of the single negative in the English language is William of Shoreham, a 14th-century English priest and scholar. As a member of the clergy, Shoreham is thought to have introduced the single negative in his works to standardise the language, aligning it with emerging norms and making it more consistent in written form. This was part of the broader movement of language standardisation during the Middle English period, which was influenced by the increasing use of English in official and literary contexts.

Nothing

“Nothing” is a negative word in its own right, just like “never” and “not”.

  • I like coffee.
  • I do not like coffee.
  • I always drink coffee.
  • I never drink coffee.
  • I have had something to drink.
  • I have had nothing to drink.

Anything

Anything” is used to refer to any object, idea or amount.

For example: “I do not have anything to do today.”

Here, “anything” is used with “not” to express the negative.

Nothing” is used in negative sentences to mean “not anything”.

For example: “I have nothing to do today.”

This means the same as “I don’t have anything to do today.”

Something

Something“, similar to “anything”, expresses the positive. It is used in positive sentences and questions to refer to an unspecified object, idea or amount.

For example: “I have something to do today.”

This means there is a specific thing or task to do, but it is not specified.

Double negatives

Using two negatives together in a sentence, such as “I don’t have nothing,” is considered incorrect in standard English, as it creates a double negative. However, there are dialects of English in which it may be heard in colloquial use:

  • I ain’t got nothing to do today

Use either “nothing” or “anything” depending on whether your sentence is positive or negative.

“Nothing” is just one negative option. So, one might write:

  • “I have nothing to do.”

Or, one might write:

  • “I do not have anything to do.”

The meaning is the same. The opposite would be to write:

  • “I have something to do.”

Exercises to practise

After you have filled in the answer to the question, decide whether your sentence is positive or negative and then write the opposite!

Anything, Something and Nothing

Insert the correct word

1 / 21

She never brings __________ with her when she travels.

2 / 21

__________ is impossible if you work hard enough.

3 / 21

I searched everywhere, but I couldn’t find __________.

4 / 21

Is there __________ I can do to help you?

5 / 21

I have ______ important to tell you.

6 / 21

I don’t want __________ for my birthday this year.

7 / 21

They have __________ to contribute to the discussion.

8 / 21

They don’t have __________ to contribute to the discussion.

9 / 21

__________ makes him happier than playing the guitar.

10 / 21

She didn’t hear __________ when I called her name.

11 / 21

__________ seems to be going right today.

12 / 21

There is __________ more frustrating than losing your keys.

13 / 21

He never talks about __________ personal at work.

14 / 21

I couldn’t see __________ in the dark room.

15 / 21

Did you bring __________ to eat for lunch?

16 / 21

I have __________ to do this weekend, so I’m free to see you.

17 / 21

If you need __________, just let me know.

18 / 21

He didn’t say __________ during the entire conversation.

19 / 21

She said __________ about the meeting yesterday.

20 / 21

I can’t find __________ to wear for the party tonight.

21 / 21

There’s __________ in the fridge. We need to go grocery shopping.

Your score is

The average score is 88%

0%

If you have any questions or comments, please do enter them below.

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