Poll: "I wouldn't be surprised if it didn't rain."

"I wouldn't be surprised if it didn't rain."

I expect it to rain
I don't expect it to rain

Votes: 302
Comments: 7
Added: February 2004

 

Comments:

PLP - 8th February 2004 03:07
It depends on the intonation.
 
Red5 - 8th June 2004 18:20
I think it means that I believe it will rain. ;-)
 
its3742 - 29th May 2005 19:39
but it did rain, lol
 
John - 16th June 2008 12:59
What it means is, "I don't expect it to rain". However, it's intended meaning in common usage is, "I do expect it to rain".
 
jl - 6th February 2009 15:33
don't two negations equal a positive, therefore I expect it to rain. It would be great to be able to consult the correct answers. Is there any way of doing this?
 
ghiro - 17th February 2009 21:13
The word analysis means 'I expect it not to'; usage normally intends the opposite. Possibly influenced by romance (and other) languages' common usage of double negatives for emphasis...
 
altdel - 24th February 2009 21:41
The double negative applies to the word "surprise". Thus, it means I'd be surprised if it rains. Or, I don't expect it to rain.
 
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