from nothing to something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'from nothing to something' is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to refer to a situation in which something has gone from not existing or having no value to having value or existence. For example, "He went from nothing to something, becoming a successful entrepreneur in a short few years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

We went from nothing to something.

The Guardian

"Getting from nothing to something has required a focused effort".

The New York Times

Every entrepreneurial undertaking is an act of creation: going from nothing to something.

Stanford University

("I took that movie from nothing to something," is how Mr. Hill put it).

The New York Times

That's what a lot of rap is about, grinding hard, making it from nothing to something".

The New York Times - Arts

Do you understand the step from nothing to something, and how that came about?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Another is whether it grows media-rights income from nearly nothing to something.

The Guardian - Sport

"You guys went from something to nothing all of a sudden," a security guard said to the clerks, marvelling, and then corrected himself: "Nothing to something, I mean".

The New Yorker

The story, he said, was about "how you could come from nothing to having something successful, having the American dream".

The New York Times

"It's hard, he was only 32, he came up from nothing, to make something of himself.

The New York Times

We had to start from nothing to become something.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "from nothing to something" to illustrate stories of success, growth, and overcoming adversity.

Common error

Avoid using "from nothing to something" when the starting point already involves significant resources or advantages; the phrase is best suited for situations where the initial state is truly devoid of value or potential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "from nothing to something" functions as a prepositional phrase, often used adverbially to modify verbs and describe a transformative process. It highlights the change from a state of non-existence or worthlessness to one of value or significance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "from nothing to something" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe significant progress or transformation from a state of non-existence or worthlessness to one of value. Ludwig AI affirms its validity and widespread use. It is frequently found in News & Media and Academic contexts, highlighting stories of success, innovation, and overcoming adversity. While its register is generally neutral, it's important to consider the scope and avoid using it when the starting point already involves substantial resources. Alternatives like "rise from obscurity" or "build something from scratch" may be more appropriate depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

start from the ground up

Similar to 'from scratch', but often used in the context of building organizations or systems.

go from rags to riches

Specifically refers to achieving wealth after being poor.

build something from scratch

Emphasizes the act of creation without pre-existing materials or structures.

transform from zero to hero

Emphasizes a dramatic change in status from worthless to valuable.

rise from obscurity

Focuses on overcoming a lack of recognition or fame.

bootstrap oneself

Implies self-reliance and resourcefulness in achieving success.

ascend from humble beginnings

Highlights the starting point being low in status or resources.

emerge from the shadows

Suggests coming into prominence after being hidden or unknown.

make a name for oneself

Focuses on establishing a reputation or identity.

develop from the embryo stage

Highlights the early phase of growth and maturation.

FAQs

How can I use "from nothing to something" in a sentence?

You can use "from nothing to something" to describe a process of significant improvement or creation, such as "Her business went "from nothing to something" in just a few years".

What are some alternatives to saying "from nothing to something"?

Alternatives include "rise from obscurity", "go from rags to riches", or "build something from scratch", depending on the specific context you want to emphasize.

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

Yes, "from nothing to something" is a correct and commonly used phrase in English to describe progress or transformation.

What's the nuance between "from zero to something" and "from nothing to something"?

While similar, "from nothing to something" implies a complete absence of value or existence initially, whereas "from zero to something" may suggest a starting point with some potential or measurable quantity, even if very small.