at nothing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at nothing" is correct and can be used in written English, though its usage may depend on context.
It can be used to indicate a lack of value, effort, or result in a particular situation. Example: "Despite all his efforts, he seemed to be getting at nothing in his research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"At nothing".

The New Yorker

And he stopped at nothing.

The Economist

Her eyes look at nothing.

The New Yorker

They would stop at nothing.

The New Yorker

"They will stop at nothing.

Independent

I stared at nothing.

The Guardian - Travel

Tobacco is, in effect, valued at nothing.

The Economist

Will he stop at nothing to succeed?

Independent

"Those Luos won't stop at nothing".

The New York Times

Weiner shouts back at nothing.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But I'm very bad at... Nothing!

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's gaze or focus, use "at nothing" to convey a sense of detachment, vacancy, or deep thought. This can add depth to character descriptions in creative writing.

Common error

Avoid using "at nothing" when you intend to express mild surprise or disbelief. While it can imply a lack of something, it's not interchangeable with phrases expressing astonishment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at nothing" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase. It often modifies verbs to describe actions performed without purpose or a state of lacking focus. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in various contexts, as shown in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

7%

Huffington Post

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at nothing" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to express futility, lack of focus, or extreme determination. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in diverse contexts, especially in "News & Media". It effectively conveys a sense of purposelessness or, conversely, a relentless pursuit. While generally neutral in register, its impact depends on the specific context. Related phrases like "to no avail" and "for nothing" offer alternative ways to express similar ideas, enhancing your writing's precision. Understanding its common errors and connotations helps to avoid misinterpretations and ensures clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for nothing

Indicates that something was done without gaining any advantage.

with no result

Directly states the absence of a positive outcome.

to no avail

Emphasizes the lack of success despite effort.

to no effect

Indicates that an action did not produce the intended change.

to no end

Similar to 'to no avail', suggesting fruitless actions or efforts.

for naught

Indicates efforts were without result; more formal.

in vain

Similar to 'for naught', suggesting fruitless effort.

without purpose

Highlights the absence of intention or goal.

aimlessly

Describes actions lacking direction or focus.

without consequence

Highlights that something happens without significant impact.

FAQs

How can I use "at nothing" in a sentence?

You can use "at nothing" to describe a situation where efforts are fruitless, like: "Despite all his efforts, he seemed to be getting "at nothing" in his research". It can also describe a blank stare or lack of focus, like: "Her eyes looked "at nothing"."

What does it mean when someone says they'll stop "at nothing"?

Saying someone will stop "at nothing" means they are determined to achieve their goal, even if it requires extreme measures. For example, "They will stop "at nothing" to win."

What can I say instead of someone is gazing "at nothing"?

Instead of saying someone is gazing "at nothing", you can use alternatives like "staring into space", "gazing blankly", or "looking "into the distance depending" on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say someone "excelled at nothing"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. Saying someone "excelled at nothing" means they didn't achieve success in any area. It's often used ironically or self-deprecatingly, similar to saying they were "bad at everything".