Activity Overview
Negative words in Spanish are often used in double, and sometimes triple and quadruple, negative sentence structures. While in the English language, it is incorrect to say “I don’t never go to the movies”, in the Spanish language this is grammatically correct. More specifically, if the negative word is before the verb, only the one negative word is used; however, if the negative word comes after the verb, there will also be a “no” before the verb. This no is the equivalent of “not” in English. In Spanish, there may even be more than two negative words in the sentence, for example, “Mi hermano no va nunca al cine tampoco.”
This double negative concept can take some getting used to, especially as students work from English to Spanish. In this activity, students will write original sentences to practice negation and double negatives. Using the grid layout, students will write English sentences in the first column, underlining the negative word(s). In the second column, have students write their sentence in Spanish with the negative word before the verb. In the third column, students will attempt the double negative, placing the negative word after the verb with a “no” before the verb. For each row, students should focus on using a different negative word. For further advancement, students can dedicate a row to a sentence with three or more negative words.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instruction
Create a storyboard that illustrates the use of the double negative in Spanish, placing the negative before and after the verb. Use a variety of different negative words.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Label the columns "Before the Verb" and "After the Verb".
- In the far right column, add a textable and write a sentence in English.
- In the first column, translate the sentence, placing the negative before the verb.
- In the second column, translate the sentence again, but put the negative after the verb and a "no" before the verb.
- Create an illustration of your sentence using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
Negative words in Spanish are often used in double, and sometimes triple and quadruple, negative sentence structures. While in the English language, it is incorrect to say “I don’t never go to the movies”, in the Spanish language this is grammatically correct. More specifically, if the negative word is before the verb, only the one negative word is used; however, if the negative word comes after the verb, there will also be a “no” before the verb. This no is the equivalent of “not” in English. In Spanish, there may even be more than two negative words in the sentence, for example, “Mi hermano no va nunca al cine tampoco.”
This double negative concept can take some getting used to, especially as students work from English to Spanish. In this activity, students will write original sentences to practice negation and double negatives. Using the grid layout, students will write English sentences in the first column, underlining the negative word(s). In the second column, have students write their sentence in Spanish with the negative word before the verb. In the third column, students will attempt the double negative, placing the negative word after the verb with a “no” before the verb. For each row, students should focus on using a different negative word. For further advancement, students can dedicate a row to a sentence with three or more negative words.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instruction
Create a storyboard that illustrates the use of the double negative in Spanish, placing the negative before and after the verb. Use a variety of different negative words.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Label the columns "Before the Verb" and "After the Verb".
- In the far right column, add a textable and write a sentence in English.
- In the first column, translate the sentence, placing the negative before the verb.
- In the second column, translate the sentence again, but put the negative after the verb and a "no" before the verb.
- Create an illustration of your sentence using appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
- Save and exit when you're done.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Double Negatives in Spanish
Introduce double negatives with relatable examples
Start your lesson by sharing simple, everyday English sentences with double negatives (like “I don’t know nothing”) and compare them to their correct Spanish equivalents. This helps students connect prior knowledge to new concepts and see why Spanish uses double negatives differently.
Demonstrate negative word placement with color-coding
Show students Spanish sentences with negative words both before and after the verb, using different colors to highlight each negative word. This visual approach makes it easy to spot patterns and remember correct placement.
Guide students in creating their own double negative sentences
Encourage students to write original sentences in English, underline the negative words, and then translate them into Spanish using both single and double negative structures. Practicing with their own ideas builds confidence and understanding.
Facilitate peer review with a focus on negatives
Organize a partner or small group activity where students exchange their Spanish sentences and check each other’s use of negative words. Peer feedback helps reinforce rules and corrects misunderstandings in a supportive way.
Reinforce learning with quick daily warm-ups
Begin class with a short warm-up where students correct sentences for double negatives or create a new one using a given negative word. Frequent, low-pressure practice keeps the concept fresh and boosts mastery.
Frequently Asked Questions about Double Negatives in Spanish
What are double negatives in Spanish and how do they differ from English?
Double negatives in Spanish occur when two or more negative words are used in the same sentence, which is grammatically correct and often required. In contrast, English usually considers double negatives incorrect because they can create a positive meaning. For example, in Spanish, 'No veo nada' means 'I don't see anything,' using two negatives for emphasis and clarity.
How do you use negative words before and after the verb in Spanish sentences?
When a negative word appears before the verb in Spanish, only that negative is needed (e.g., 'Nadie viene'). If the negative word comes after the verb, you also add 'no' before the verb (e.g., 'No viene nadie'). This structure helps reinforce the negation in the sentence.
Can you give examples of double negatives in Spanish for classroom activities?
Yes! Example sentences include: 'No veo nada' (I don’t see anything), 'No tengo nunca tiempo' (I never have time), and 'Mi hermano no va nunca al cine tampoco' (My brother never goes to the movies either). These can be used for practice activities or storyboards.
Why are double negatives used in Spanish grammar, and are triple negatives possible?
Double negatives are standard in Spanish to clearly express negation. It's not only correct but often necessary for full meaning. Triple or quadruple negatives are possible and can emphasize the negativity, such as in 'No conozco a nadie nunca tampoco.'
What’s the best way to teach double negatives in Spanish to English-speaking students?
The best approach is to use contrastive examples between Spanish and English, hands-on sentence-building activities, and visual aids like storyboards. Encourage students to translate and restructure sentences, identifying where negative words occur in both languages.
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