#1  
Old 21-Nov-2004, 09:32
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Default Ain't / haven't

What do these mean?
1. I ain't never seen anyone like you.
2. I haven't seen anyone like you.
  #2  
Old 21-Nov-2004, 09:49
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Default Re: Ain't / haven't

(1) In this sentence, 'ain't' is substandard English for either 'have' or 'have not'-- it is impossible to judge. 'Ain't' normally, but still substandardly, means 'am not', as in 'I'm good in English, ain't I?'

(2) Is the correct form of (1)--except for the 'never' of course-- and means that I have never met a person with your qualities.

Last edited by Mister Micawber; 21-Nov-2004 at 09:51.
  #3  
Old 21-Nov-2004, 09:56
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Default Re: Ain't / haven't

1. I ain't never seen anyone like you.
2. I have never seen anyone like you.
So #1 and #2 mean the same thing?

3. I haven't seen anyone like you.
What do #2 and #3 mean?
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Old 21-Nov-2004, 11:06
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Default Re: Ain't / haven't

Quote:
I have never met a person with your qualities.
as I stated above.
  #5  
Old 21-Nov-2004, 11:50
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Default Re: Ain't / haven't

Thanks.

1. I have not met anyone like you.
2. I have never met anyone like you.

So 'I have not...' and 'I have never..' in this case they mean the same thing?
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Old 21-Nov-2004, 12:41
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Default Re: Ain't / haven't

Yes. The 'never' of (2) just serves as an intensifier of the 'not' in (1).
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Old 21-Nov-2004, 12:48
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Default Re: Ain't / haven't

Thanks.
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