it showed nothing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it showed nothing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation, result, or outcome that did not provide any useful information or evidence. Example: "After reviewing the data, it showed nothing that could help us make a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Anybody got any ideas?" He later revealed he had undergone tests including a CAT Scan, MRI and spinal tap but "it showed nothing" and that he has "very low blood pressure".

Independent

It showed nothing but murky water.

The New York Times

Then I had an M.R.I. and it showed nothing.

The New York Times - Sports

But according to Martinez-Regino, it showed nothing.

The New York Times - Magazine

It showed nothing was more powerful in snaring viewers than a captivating mystery.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It showed nothing less than a reckless disregard for human life.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

It shows nothing of the sort.

The New York Times

And then, for 30 calming seconds, it shows nothing but a cliff-ridged beach, lighted by the sun on the horizon, as waves lap the shore.

The New York Times

The entire scene passes in a blink, and it shows nothing more explicit or salacious or risky or significant than the poster itself.

The New Yorker

The truth of the video, however – which was released by a previously unheard-of organization led by a man who has described himself as an "amateur varanid keeper" – is that it shows nothing illegal.

The Guardian - Opinion

It shows nothing more than that there was a class of buyers who knew a drug going by the name 'acetyl salicylic acid,' which was useful for some purposes, in fact (though this they did not necessarily know), the same as those for which 'Aspirin' was useful.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it showed nothing" to succinctly convey that an investigation, test, or observation yielded no meaningful results or insights. This phrase is particularly useful when you want to emphasize the lack of any positive findings.

Common error

While "it showed nothing" is grammatically sound, avoid overusing it in very informal conversations. In such contexts, consider simpler alternatives like "nothing happened" or "it didn't work" to maintain a more relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it showed nothing" primarily functions as a statement indicating a lack of results, evidence, or information from a specific test, observation, or analysis. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it showed nothing" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate a lack of meaningful results or findings. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and neutral register. While it's most frequent in news, scientific, and academic contexts, its straightforward meaning makes it easily adaptable to various situations. When writing, remember that while generally acceptable, simpler phrasing may be preferable in very informal conversations. Consider alternatives like "it revealed nothing" or "no results were found" for subtle variations in emphasis or tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it revealed nothing

Replaces "showed" with "revealed", suggesting a lack of disclosure or unveiling.

it indicated nothing

Substitutes "showed" with "indicated", implying a lack of signs or signals.

it demonstrated nothing

Replaces "showed" with "demonstrated", emphasizing a lack of proof or evidence.

it proved nothing

Substitutes "showed" with "proved", focusing on the absence of conclusive evidence.

it displayed nothing

Replaces "showed" with "displayed", highlighting a lack of visual or evident presentation.

it uncovered nothing

Suggests that despite an investigation or search, no new information was found.

no results were found

A more general statement indicating an absence of outcomes or data.

there was no indication

Shifts the focus to the absence of any signs or hints.

the search yielded nothing

Emphasizes the act of searching and the lack of any valuable findings.

nothing was apparent

Highlights the lack of visibility or obviousness.

FAQs

What does "it showed nothing" mean?

The phrase "it showed nothing" means that an examination, test, or investigation did not reveal any significant or useful information. It implies a lack of positive results or findings.

What can I say instead of "it showed nothing"?

You can use alternatives like "it revealed nothing", "it indicated nothing", or "no results were found" depending on the context.

Is "it showed nothing" formal or informal?

The phrase "it showed nothing" is generally considered neutral in formality. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although simpler alternatives might be preferred in very casual settings.

Can I use "it showed nothing" when talking about emotions?

While less common, "it showed nothing" can be used to describe a lack of emotional expression. For example, "His face showed nothing" implies a blank or emotionless expression. However, alternatives like "he revealed no emotion" might be more appropriate.