Are double negatives always grammatically wrong?

In standard formal English , yes. They are considered incorrect because they cause logical ambiguity. However, in many world dialects, they are a grammatically consistent feature (negative concord) and are not considered "wrong" within those linguistic systems.

What is the difference between a double negative and litotes?

A double negative is generally an unintentional grammatical error that obscures meaning. Litotes is an intentional rhetorical device that uses a double negative to create an ironic or modest understatement (e.g., "I'm not unfamiliar with this topic" instead of "I am an expert").

Why do some people use double negatives even though they're "wrong"?

Many speakers use them because they are part of their native dialect or regional speech patterns. In these contexts, the speaker is not making a logical error; they are following the rules of their specific linguistic community.

Can I use double negatives in creative writing?

Yes. Using double negatives in dialogue is an excellent way to ground your characters and reflect natural, regional speech patterns. Just ensure they are used intentionally to establish tone or character, rather than appearing as a mistake in your narrative voice.

How do I fix a double negative if I accidentally write one?

The simplest fix is to turn the second negative word into a positive indefinite pronoun. Change nothing to anything, nobody to anybody, nowhere to anywhere, and no to any.

Are "cannot help but" or "can't hardly" double negatives?

Technically, yes. "Cannot help but" uses two negative ideas. "Can't hardly" combines cannot with hardly (which functions as a negative). These are widely considered nonstandard in formal writing; use "cannot help but" alternatives or "can hardly" instead.