has no means

USAGE SUMMARY

'has no means' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone or something lacks the resources or power to do something. For example, "The government has no means to prevent the spread of the virus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He has no means to demolish it himself, and no materials with which to rebuild it.

The New York Times

It has no means of welcoming refugees, and migrants have almost no rights or legal recourse.

The Guardian

Rita has no means to provide for her child, much less for herself.

The Guardian - Film

"My mother has no means to find this lawyer," Mr. Moussaoui said.

The New York Times

Perhaps she has no means of childcare to slip away for an appointment.

The Guardian

He wants to help but he has no means to do it".

The Guardian

Rose, who has no means of support and whose background is left frustratingly vague, eventually moves in with the family.

The New York Times

Conversely, an animal with hooves must be an herbivore, since it has "no means of seizing prey".

The New Yorker

The couple were fined, but the woman has said she has no means to pay the £1,000.

Independent

The opponent now has no means of knowing when it is better to call than to fold.

The New Yorker

But even if the Radicals were to control the government, which is unlikely, Serbia has no means to realise it.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has no means" to clearly and concisely convey a lack of resources or ability, avoiding ambiguity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "has no means" in highly informal writing where simpler alternatives like "can't" or "doesn't have" may be more appropriate. Overuse in casual conversation can sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has no means" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a lack of capability, resources, or ability. It asserts that the subject lacks the necessary tools, funds, or skills to achieve a specific goal or perform a particular action. Ludwig's examples showcase this across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has no means" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote a lack of resources or ability. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread applicability. It is most commonly found in news and media, scientific writing, and formal business communication. When using this phrase, it's essential to consider the context and choose synonyms if a different nuance or level of formality is desired. While generally neutral in tone, avoiding overuse in highly informal settings is advisable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacks the ability

Focuses on the absence of a specific skill or capacity.

is not able to

States the simple lack of being able to do something.

is unable to

Highlights the impossibility of performing a certain action.

is without resources

Emphasizes the deficiency of available assets.

has no access to

Highlights the lack of availability or access to necessary resources.

cannot afford

Specifically refers to a lack of financial capacity.

is not equipped to

Suggests a deficiency in the necessary tools or equipment.

is powerless to

Highlights a lack of authority or influence.

is incapable of

Emphasizes the inherent inability to perform an action.

is in no position to

Focuses on the unfavorable circumstances preventing action.

FAQs

How can I use "has no means" in a sentence?

The phrase "has no means" indicates a lack of resources or ability. For example: "The refugee "has no means" to support his family".

What are some alternatives to saying "has no means"?

You can use phrases like "lacks the ability", "is unable to", or "is without resources" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "have no means" instead of "has no means"?

Yes, "have no means" is correct when referring to a plural subject. For example: "They "have no means" of transportation".

What is the difference between "has no means" and "cannot afford"?

"Has no means" is a broader term indicating a lack of resources in general, while "cannot afford" specifically refers to a lack of financial resources. You might say someone "has no means" to complete a project because they lack time or skills, not just money.