from nothing to nothing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "from nothing to nothing" can be used in written English.
This expression typically communicates that there has been no change or progress in a given situation. For example, "After months of hard work, the project went from nothing to nothing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

There is a doorway in the air, a graduation from nothing to nothing... 3. Like a crust on something, that sky something down here… Whirr.

The New Yorker

There is a doorway in the air, a graduation from nothing to nothing... 3. Like a crust on something, that sky something down here somewhat viscous, blinking --.. A youthful S.S. man, blond, like an angel, just informed us we are to rise at 4 a.m. for the journey.

The New Yorker

There is a doorway in the air, a graduation from nothing to nothing... 3. Like a crust on something, that sky something down here… A yak is a prehistoric cabbage: of that, at least, we After the birds surrender the air When I got co the airport I rushed up to the desk.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But the Tonys are a geezer-fest with ratings so awful he helped lift them from nothing to next-to-nothing.

Huffington Post

There are women there who are in vulnerable positions; women who come from nothing, own nothing and have families they need to support.

Vice

There are women there in vulnerable positions – women who come from nothing, own nothing and have families they need to support.

Vice

Nothing from nothing leaves nothing, but with desire you already have riches within your reach if only you learn to turn your desire into a magnificent passion.

Huffington Post

He's come from nothing, absolutely nothing.

The Guardian - Sport

"Nothing comes of nothing," said Lear. "Nothing from nothing leaves nothing," said Billy Preston.

The New York Times

Namely that as Billy Preston once sang a number of years ago that nothing from nothing leaves nothing.

Huffington Post

A UNIVERSE FROM NOTHING: Why There Is Something Rather Than Nothing, by Lawrence M. Krauss (Free Press, $24.99).

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "from nothing to nothing" to poignantly express futility, waste, or a cycle of non-achievement. It can add a sense of resignation or irony to your writing when you want to highlight the lack of tangible progress despite actions taken.

Common error

Avoid using "from nothing to nothing" when describing situations where there is any form of qualitative change, even if the net quantitative gain is zero. This phrase is best suited to scenarios where both origin and outcome are truly devoid of substance or impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "from nothing to nothing" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It describes the state or result of an action, indicating that it led to no tangible outcome. Ludwig confirms its usage in various contexts, primarily to describe situations where no progress has been achieved.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "from nothing to nothing" is a grammatically correct expression used to convey a sense of futility, lack of progress, or a situation remaining unchanged. Ludwig's analysis of diverse sources reveals its infrequent yet valid application across news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. When writing, it's best employed to describe scenarios devoid of meaningful change, distinguishing it from situations with qualitative, though not quantitative, improvements. By avoiding misuse and recognizing its nuances, you can effectively employ "from nothing to nothing" to enhance the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

from zero to nil

Stresses the concept of starting from no value and ending with the same lack of value.

no net gain

Implies that any gains are completely offset by losses, leading to no overall improvement.

a wasted effort

Focuses on the idea that work or energy was spent without achieving a worthwhile result.

a futile exercise

Suggests a task or activity that is pointless or ineffective.

a fruitless endeavor

Emphasizes the lack of positive results or outcome despite effort.

all for naught

Indicates that everything done was without value or effect.

from scratch to oblivion

Highlights the full life cycle, including a complete vanishing or disappearance after origination.

from inception to nothingness

Focuses on the trajectory from an initial beginning to a state of complete absence.

back to square one

Highlights returning to the initial starting point after apparent progress.

a lost cause

Underlines the improbability of achieving a desired outcome, thus rendering efforts pointless.

FAQs

How can "from nothing to nothing" be used in a sentence?

You can use "from nothing to nothing" to describe a futile effort or a situation where no progress has been made. For instance, "After all that effort, the negotiations went "from nothing to nothing"."

What does "from nothing to nothing" mean?

The expression "from nothing to nothing" suggests a complete lack of progress or achievement. It implies that despite efforts or actions, the situation remains unchanged, starting with nothing and ending with nothing.

Are there similar expressions to "from nothing to nothing"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "a wasted effort", "a fruitless endeavor", or "back to square one", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "from nothing to nothing"?

Yes, "from nothing to nothing" is grammatically correct and understandable in English. It conveys a specific meaning of zero progress or achievement.