-2

If I were to say:

I can't and I won't.

or something similar, is that a double negative?

Bellator
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1 Answers1

-3

I'll use a popular phrase to be my example here:

Don't talk the talk, if you can't walk the walk.

As you can see, two negatives are used, but they do not cancel each other out. This is primarily due to the comma used.

In your example, a comma should also be present.

Bellator
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    There is absolutely no need for a comma in the OP's example. The Oxford comma is only used for lists of 3 or more. – Nuclear Hoagie Jan 23 '18 at 16:47
  • DO NOT worry about that. There is a big difference in meaning between 'happy' and 'not unhappy'. Just double check your sentence means what you really want when using more than one negative. – Ross Murray Jan 23 '18 at 16:48
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    Actually, @NuclearWang, the OP's example should not have a comma whether they are using the Oxford comma style or not. For both styles, no comma is required with only two elements in a list. Once there is a third element in the list, the Oxford comma style requires two commas but the alternative style only one. – Ross Murray Jan 23 '18 at 16:53
  • I don't know that this would be an Oxford comma; in OP's post, if it's someone talking, it would represent an actual pause in speaking if a pause is intended. I think it's good with or without the comma, depending on what you're going for. I think that the example that @CelticTree used sounds and looks weird with the comma. – John Doe Jan 23 '18 at 16:57
  • @RossMurray You're just reiterating what I said... there is no place for a comma, and Oxford comma rules don't apply here. If it was a list of 3, it'd be open for debate, but it's not, and should be comma-less. – Nuclear Hoagie Jan 23 '18 at 16:59
  • @NuclearWang. Yes! No comma. But you said, "The Oxford comma is only used for lists of 3 or more." I added an explanation that the non-Oxford-comma style is also only used for lists of 3 or more. – Ross Murray Jan 23 '18 at 20:34