avail nothing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "avail nothing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that something is of no use or benefit, often in a context where efforts or resources do not yield any results. Example: "Despite our best efforts to resolve the issue, our attempts to negotiate with the company availed nothing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

My weak, deluded scruples could avail nothing against the iron word of the prophet.

The New Yorker

Although Elliot L. Richardson correctly observes that little can be done to remedy global warming in the absence of multilateral institutions (Op-Ed, Feb. 7), he obscures a fundamental truth of politics when he implies that the heated arguments about "the costs and benefits of international action" avail nothing in the absence of implementing institutions.

The New York Times

Samuel Johnson said that “Bravery has no place when it can avail nothing.” This Thanksgiving reminded me that America remains the home of the brave.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Petitions to the authorities in Vienna, opposing the contemplated change, have availed nothing and the question as to the length of time the regiment will be absent has brought the answer: "Perhaps ten years, perhaps longer".

The New York Times

In tactics, even more than elsewhere, a commander who can only make a plan and carry it out avails nothing; inasmuch as he is confronting a living enemy, what matters is his ability to adapt the plan to that enemy's reactions rapidly, smoothly, and without losing his grip.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But when all his words availed nothing he carried forth his armour and set it up in front of his house, saying that he had helped his country so far as lay in his power (he was already a very old man), and that he called on all others to do the same.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Your only privilege, even as the son of a noble house, is to understand the fix you are in, and to express yourself neatly when neatness can avail you nothing.

The New Yorker

It is this which drives us to try to discover the secrets of nature which are beyond our understanding, which can avail us nothing, and which man should not wish to learn". And yet it is curiosity, scientific curiosity, that has delivered us genuine, testable knowledge of the world and contributed to our understanding of our place within it and of our nature and condition.

The Guardian - Books

To address your accusations in such a manner would ultimately avail me nothing, while tacitly acknowledging your authority to act the part of the interrogator.

HuffPost

In the pursuit of the things that matter most in life, "half measures avail us nothing," states an adage that Bruce Springsteen seems to have had in mind when he made "The River," the 1980 double album he's revisiting on his new tour, three dozen years down the line.

Los Angeles Times

Research availed him nothing.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "avail nothing" to emphasize the futility of an action or effort, particularly when previous attempts have been made. This phrase is more impactful when highlighting a sense of wasted resources or missed opportunities.

Common error

Avoid using "avail nothing" in very informal or casual conversations. The phrase carries a certain level of formality and may sound stilted in everyday speech. Opt for simpler alternatives like "be no use" or "not help" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "avail nothing" functions as a predicate, indicating that a preceding action or effort has produced no beneficial outcome or positive effect. As supported by Ludwig AI, the phrase highlights a lack of utility or success.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "avail nothing" is used to express that an action or effort has been unproductive or fruitless. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and appears in various contexts, including News & Media and Academia, but with uncommon frequency. While "avail nothing" carries a sense of formality, it's crucial to consider your audience and choose simpler alternatives like "be of no use" in casual settings. Remember to use this phrase to emphasize futility after resources or efforts have been wasted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be of no use

Emphasizes the ineffectiveness or uselessness of something.

be to no avail

Highlights the lack of success despite effort.

come to naught

Suggests that efforts or plans have been completely fruitless.

prove fruitless

Indicates that attempts did not produce the desired result.

be in vain

Implies that actions were pointless and did not achieve anything.

yield no results

Focuses on the absence of tangible outcomes.

have no effect

Stresses the lack of impact or influence.

not make a difference

Underlines the inability to change or improve a situation.

be unproductive

Highlights the lack of positive output or progress.

fail to achieve anything

Directly states the absence of accomplishment.

FAQs

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

You can use "avail nothing" to indicate that something is of no use or benefit. For example: "Despite our best efforts to resolve the issue, our attempts to negotiate with the company "availed nothing"."

What are some alternatives to "avail nothing"?

You can use alternatives like "be of no use", "be to no avail", or "come to naught" depending on the context.

Is it more common to say "avail nothing" or "be of no avail"?

"Be of no avail" is generally more common in contemporary English. "Avail nothing" is a more direct and somewhat archaic construction, but can be effective in formal writing.

What is the difference between "avail nothing" and "yield no results"?

"Avail nothing" implies that effort was expended, but was ultimately useless, while "yield no results" simply indicates that no positive outcome was achieved, without necessarily implying effort.