In English class, we are introduced to the concept of the double negative.
A sentence like, “She got help,” is direct and positive. We know that the subject of the sentence received help.
The addition of a negating word or phrase can completely change the sentence to have the opposite meaning.
“She didn’t get help.”
“She got no help.”
However, if there are TWO such negating words or phrases in a sentence or clause, that turns the positive statement into a negative negative statement, or what is called a double negative.
“She didn’t get no help” then means that she actually did get help.
“I ain’t done nothing” means you did something.
But there’s a different kind of double negative.
I make a habit to use positive words instead of negative ones, and I often shake my head when I hear people use two words with a negative connotation to portray something positive.
The one I hear most often is “No problem.”
A better phrase would be “My pleasure.”
Another option would be “Happy to help.”
The words “pleasure,” “happy,” and “help” even make you want to smile when you say them.
Instead of magnifying what is wrong, focus on what is right.
“I’m a little sick” vs “I’m a lot healthy.”
“I’m a bit sad” vs “I’m mostly happy.”
My son used to say the phrase, “Death before dishonor.”
I told him a better thought was “Live with honor.”
The objective of this blog post is to encourage you to think about the power and polarity of the words you hear and say. Are they positive in tone or negative in tone? Using negative words to convey a positive thought is kind of like taking three left turns instead of one right turn!
What are some phrases you have heard that use negative words to mean something positive? What are some positive phrases that can be used instead?
Love this. Words indeed have so much power….. “I’m a little sick” vs “I’m a lot healthy.” is one (or similar derivation) Is one I talk to people about all the time. We focus on what is wrong and it just perpetuates and makes us feel lousy, brings down energy. But so much is RIGHT in the world! So much to be grateful for every day. ♥
Wonderful post, Darnelle. It’s a subtle but profound shift—from problem-oriented to pleasure-oriented language. “I’m a lot healthy” just feels better to say.
You bet words have power, Darnelle. This is such a great reminder to think before we speak… and likewise, to listen to what we tell ourselves in our thoughts. Great blog. Thanks so much for sharing this important information.
I love this Darnelle! I used to be guilty of saying “no problem” or “no worries” -but like you, I have been making the shift to “my pleasure” or “that’s great.”