it contained no

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it contained no" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the absence of something within a particular context, such as a document, report, or object. Example: "The report was thoroughly reviewed, and it contained no errors or discrepancies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Although it forced the church to sell its property, it contained no threat of confiscation.

Britannica

Many have read much into Obama's speech — that was part of its genius — but it contained no policy announcements.

The New York Times

It contained no drinking holes.

The New Yorker

It contained no reservation or restriction of the duty described.

Cornell University

It contained no uniform commitments and no enforcement provisions.

The Washington Post

It contained no reference to withdrawal of American troops.

The New York Times

But it contained no especially radio-worthy songs.

The New York Times

Would a picture feel lonely if it contained no people?

The New Yorker

It contained no other information about the painting.

The New York Times

Like the command in the Butte Ry. case it contained no exception.

Cornell University

But I felt calm in the knowledge that it contained no yellow dye No. 5.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it contained no", ensure that the subject (the 'it') is clearly defined and understood within the context. This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity in your writing.

Common error

A common mistake is to use "it contained no" without clearly establishing what 'it' refers to. Always make sure the subject is unambiguous to avoid confusing the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it contained no" functions as a descriptive statement indicating the absence of something within a specific subject. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. Examples show its application in various contexts, from describing legal contracts to assessing the contents of reports.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it contained no" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate the absence of something within a specified subject. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is versatile and applicable across various contexts, including news, science, and academia. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure that the 'it' is well-defined to avoid ambiguity. While generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives exist for specific situations, such as it was devoid of. The phrase's widespread usage and clear meaning make it a valuable tool in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it lacked

Expresses absence; simpler verb.

there was no

Simple and direct negation of presence.

it did not have

Direct statement of lacking something.

it did not include

More explicit about absence.

it excluded

Similar to omitting but suggests a deliberate exclusion.

it failed to include

Highlights an omission or failure.

it omitted

Focuses on the act of leaving something out.

it was devoid of

More formal and emphatic.

it bore no

More literary, suggests a lack of indication.

it had nothing in

Informal phrasing, emphasizes the lack of content.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it contained no" in a sentence?

Alternatives include phrases like "it lacked", "it did not include", or "there was no", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "it contained no" formal or informal?

The phrase "it contained no" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "it was devoid of" might be preferable in highly formal writing.

What's the difference between "it contained no" and "it did not contain"?

While both phrases convey the same meaning, "it contained no" is slightly more concise and can sound more natural in certain contexts. "It did not contain" is more explicit and can be useful when emphasizing the absence of something.

When is it appropriate to use "it contained no"?

Use "it contained no" when you want to state that something was absent or missing from a particular item or document. For example, "The report was thorough, but "it contained no" mention of the budget."