coming up blank

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "coming up blank" is correct and usable in written English.
It typically means that you are having difficulty figuring out something or trying to search for something but coming up with nothing. For example: "I tried to think of examples of the way we could use the new software, but I'm coming up blank."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

I am trying to imagine a white president forced to show his papers at a national news conference, and coming up blank.

The New York Times

With all Google searches coming up blank, Corbyn moved on to what the government was proposing to do now the bedroom tax had been declared discriminatory.

The Guardian

Now the study the activists demanded is coming up blank on environmental causes and is simply reaffirming many of the established risk factors, such as a family history of breast cancer, having a first child at a late age, never giving birth or doing little or no breast-feeding.

The New York Times

Being asked what you need for the very first time by someone who really wants to know and then finding yourself coming up blank is, I think, a common experience for many men.

Huffington Post

Even things like era-appropriate foods, lists of colors and clothing or armor types, and other ordinary things can add a lot of immersive things, and keep you from coming up blank or repeating yourself when inventing scenes or people on the fly.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Nate comes up blank.

The New Yorker

I came up blank.

The New York Times

June came up blank once, twice.

The New York Times

He tried to read what was there but came up blank.

The New Yorker

When we asked Bruce McCall for an idea for a golf cover, he came up blank.

The New Yorker

"It's no use," the cabbie told me after the screen came up blank.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "coming up blank", consider the context. It's often more effective when followed by an explanation of what you were trying to recall or find. For example: "I was trying to remember her name, but I was coming up blank."

Common error

Avoid using "coming up blank" when you simply haven't tried to find something. The phrase implies an attempt was made, even if unsuccessful. Instead, say "I haven't looked into it yet."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "coming up blank" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating a failure to remember something or find a solution despite attempting to do so. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "coming up blank" is a common and correct idiomatic expression used to describe the inability to recall something or find a solution despite trying. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media, and wiki sources, suggesting a neutral to informal register. While grammatically sound, more formal alternatives may be suitable for academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure the context reflects an actual attempt to remember or find something, and consider adding additional details to explain the situation. Several alternatives exist, such as ""drawing a blank"" or ""failing to recall"", which can be used to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Drawing a blank

This alternative emphasizes the inability to recall something from memory.

Failing to recall

Directly indicates the inability to bring something to mind.

Finding nothing

This suggests a fruitless search or investigation.

Turning up nothing

Similar to "finding nothing", emphasizing the lack of results.

Failing to find

Indicates an unsuccessful attempt to locate something.

Not remembering

A simpler way to express the inability to recall.

Coming to a standstill

This phrase expresses that your attempt to recall or find something has been unsuccessful.

Hitting a wall

This implies encountering an obstacle that prevents further progress in remembering or finding something.

Forgetting completely

Emphasizes the total loss of memory regarding something.

Having no recollection

A more formal way of saying "not remembering".

FAQs

What does "coming up blank" mean?

It means being unable to remember something or find an answer, despite trying.

How can I use "coming up blank" in a sentence?

For example, "I tried to remember where I put my keys, but I "came up blank"."

What are some alternatives to "coming up blank"?

You can use phrases like "drawing a blank", "finding nothing", or "failing to recall".

Is "coming up blank" formal or informal?

It's generally considered informal but is acceptable in most contexts.