Negative Thoughts

In British English, in which irony and circumlocution are very important, negatives are often used to soften the effect of criticism:

I wouldn't call her attractive; he's not the most punctual person in the world; the food wasn't all that good.

In all these examples, the speaker prefers the negative forms to the blunter statements:

she's plain; he's always late; the food was awful.

British English uses negatives to soften praise as well; speakers of British English often prefer understatement to too much enthusiasm:

the film wasn't bad; she's not unattractive; I wasn't unimpressed.

Similarly, a negative structure can be used to dress up an order in an undomineering manner:

I wouldn't mind a cup of tea; a bit of help wouldn't go amiss.

And it can be used to minimise the impact of the information:

The hotel isn't far from the beach; it doesn't take more than an hour by train; he isn't as bad-tempered as he looks .

Perhaps most un-British of all is the response you're welcome to a thank you.. Not at all or don't mention it" sound far more characteristic.

Finally, there are many functional aspects of language where negative forms are deliberately chosen:

Don't you worry about me (reassurance) This won't hurt (reassurance ) I wouldn't come any nearer (threat) Nothing could be finer than to be in Carolina in the morning (absolute description) There'll never be anyone else but you for me (promise). Negative Thoughts

Exercise: negation

Invent a context for the sentences below. What is their function and what effect does the negative form have on the message?

1. I don't mind if I do.
2. I wouldn't say no.
3. Not if it's any trouble.
4. He isn't the easiest person to deal with.
5. Don't mention it.
6. Not at all.
7. Don't do anything I wouldn't do.
8. Why don't we go to Spain this year?
9. Why can't I have more pocket money?
10. You mustn't believe everything you hear.
11. Won't you sit down?
12. Can't it be mended?

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