Affirmation and negation are often used in conversations, particularly as responses to questions.

Affirmation
An affirmation, also called an affirmative or positive statement, expresses the truth or validity of an
idea.

Negation
A negation, also called a negative statement, expresses a denial or falsity of an idea.

Affirming Words or Phrases

Among the commonly used words for affirming are adverbs of affirmation. These include words such
as yes, truly, definitely, certainly, and surely, among others.

Example:
Yes, I can attend the party on Saturday night.

I will be able to finish this by tonight.

Explanation:
In the first sentence, the adverb yes adds emphasis to the affirmative statement. In the second
sentence, there is no adverb of affirmation used, but the sentence is still affirmative because there is
nothing in it that indicates negation, and the word will is considered positive.

Negating Words or Phrases

Adverbs may also be used for expressing negation. Adverbs of negation include the words no, not,
nowhere, no longer, and never. Expressions that may be used to emphasize or express negation
include I'm sorry and I'm afraid.

Examples:
I'm afraid I cannot leave the house on Saturday night.

No, I will not be able to finish this by tonight.

Explanation:
The words cannot and not in the two examples have already expressed negation. The
expression I'm afraid and the word no are added to emphasize the negativity of the statement.

 Affirmation and negation are often used in conversations, particularly as responses to

questions.
 An affirmation, also called an affirmative or positive statement, expresses the truth or
validity of an idea.
 A negation, also called a negative statement, expresses a denial or falsity of an idea.
 It expresses a denial or falsity of an idea.
 Correct answer
 negation
 Explanation
 A negation, also called a negative statement, expresses a denial or falsity of an idea.
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 Q2

 Exact Value
 It expresses the truth or validity of an idea.
 Correct answer
 affirmation
 Explanation
 An affirmation, also called an affirmative or positive statement, expresses the truth or validity of an idea.
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 Q3

 Exact Value
 Affirmation and negation are often used in conversations, particularly as responses to _.
 Correct answer
 questions
 Explanation
 Affirmation and negation are often used in conversations, particularly as responses to questions.
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 Q4

 Categorise
 Classify each of the following words as words for affirmation or for negation.
 Correct answer
 Words for Affirmation
 definitely
 sure
 Words for Negation
 not
 nowhere
 Explanation
 The words sure and definitely are used for affirmation while the words not and nowhere are used for negatio
n.
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 Q5

 Single Answer
 Which of the following situations would require you to give a statement of affirmation?
 Correct answer
 when you believe in what is being said
 when you disagree with someone's opinion
 when you cannot make a decision yet
 when you would like to say you cannot make it to an event
 Explanation
 In expressing belief or agreement, statements of affirmation are used.
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 Q6
 Single Answer
 Which of the following is not a statement of negation?
 Correct answer
 I would be happy to go with you.
 I am sorry, but I cannot make it.
 I am afraid I would not be able to do that.
 You should not say that about yourself.
 Explanation
 The statement I would be happy to go with you is a statement of affirmation.
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 Q7

 Single Answer
 Which of the following best completes the given analogy?
 truth : affirmation :: _ : _
 Correct answer
 denial : negation
 negation : validity
 falsity : concurrence
 agreement : negation
 Explanation
 Expressing truths is done through affirmation while expressing denial is done through negation.
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 Q8

 Single Answer
 Ross was invited by Marie to attend a group study session at the library, but Ross already has a band practi
ce session at that time.
 Which of the following expressions should he use to show that he would not be able to make it?
 Correct answer
 I am afraid . . .
 I can . . .
 Sure . . .
 I will . . .
 Explanation
 To express negation, Ross should use the expression I'm afraid . . .
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 Q9
 Single Answer
 Which of the following presents an affirmative version of the sentence below?
 Harold can never walk again.
 Correct answer
 Harold can walk again.
 Can Harold walk again?
 Harold can not walk again.
 Harold may not walk again.
 Explanation
 The statement Harold can walk again is an affirmative version of the given statement. All the other choices a
re still negative.
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 Q10

 Multiple Choice
 Which of the following could be added to the given sentence to turn it into a negative statement?
 I am sure that Jason is fine.
 Correct answer
 the word "not"
 the word "never"
 the word "yes"
 the word "certainly"
 Explanation
 The words not or never may be added to the sentence in order to change it into a negative statement.
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