Why Positive Negative wording?
This excerpt from a Sherlock Holmes story (The Six Napoleons), caught my eye:
"Well," said Lestrade, "I've seen you handle a good many cases, Mr. Holmes, but I don't know that I ever knew a more workmanlike one than that. We're not jealous of you at Scotland Yard. No, sir, we are very proud of you, and if you come down to-morrow, there's not a man, from the oldest inspector to the youngest constable, who wouldn't be glad to shake you by the hand."
Why didn't Dr. Doyle write: "....every man, from the oldest inspector to the youngest constable, would be glad to shake you by the hand." What is it about the English language?
And, for that matter, why do people say, "Don't forget" instead of "Remember". (Or "Not bad" instead of "Good".)