How should one answer a negative question?

Question

Last week, I went shopping. On the shopping cart, there was an advertisement. It said, "Wouldn't you like free groceries?" This could be reworded as "Would you not like free groceries?"
Let's assume that I would like free groceries.
Do I answer "yes," or "no"?

Answer 1

Here we are coming up against 'standard practice usage' versus 'logical, pedantic usage.'

Logically, one answers "No, I would not not like free groceries (=Yes I would like free groceries. Two negatives make a positive.)

Now, in common standard usage, one answers (as the other person said about the "Won't you sit down?" ): "Yes thanks."

Now, do not get in a tizzy. It is just the difference between normal (incorrect) USAGE and pedantic, 'get-on-your-nerves' stuffy correctness people.

Say "Yes, and where do I sign up?!!" Then tell them you do not want any advertising in the mail or on the email. Give them a false address even!

Good question.

Answer 2

The question is expecting a Yes. Say no means you do not want free groceries. This is the way we ask people when we think the person most probably will say "Yes".
If we know a person like to go shopping, we will ask "Wouldn't you like to go shopping?"

Answer 3

Actually, "Wouldn't you like free groceries?" would technically be reworded as "Would not you like free groceries?" and this is tricky because the only answers are "No, I would not not like free groceries" or "Yes, I would not like free groceries" which both mean the same thing. So if you ever see a sign like that, rip it up and throw it in the garbage. You could also spit on it to add insult to injury. But that's just me. : )

Answer 4

You answer no because they aren't trying to give you free groceries. Small print reads w/ participation or participation required. If you click yes you will probably be sent to a page where they want you to answer a million questions and then when your done they tell you to agree to buy two items and then they will send you your free groceries. Go figure. Nothing is free. lol

Answer 5

Whether the question is,"Wouldn't you like free groceries?" or "Would you not like free groceries?", the answer is as follows.
If you like free groceries, answer,"yes." If you do not like free groceries, answer,"no."

Answer 6

you would answer yes. because you would want them. its lyke saying. you want free groceries. right? its just one of the weird things in the english language

Answer 7

Answer yes whats the worst that can happen

Answer 8

Negative question always require a positive response.

E.g. "Won't you sit down?"

Naturally, the answer would be:

"Yes, thank you."

Isn't it obvious?

Answer 9

WHY ARE YOU EVEN QUESTIONING THE WORDING? EITHER YOU WOULD WANT FREE GROCERIES OR NOT. WE DON'T USE THE CORRECT "ENGLISH" ANYHOW. EUROPEANS DO. BY THAT, I MEAN THE "ENGLISH". WE SPEAK AMERICAN, IT'S TOTALLY DIFFERENT.

Answer 10

"Yes, I would"