naught

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "naught" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in literary or formal contexts to mean "nothing" or "zero." Example: "After all his efforts, he realized that his attempts were for naught."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And all for naught.

The Guardian - Film

All are legitimate concerns for the future.Right now, your correspondent is not unduly worried that his attempts to resurrect The Economist's early web pages have come to naught.

The Economist

However, its first big operation, an apparently overreaching plan to hijack a Pakistani frigate and attack American warships, came to naught after it was foiled by a guard.Although the army's battlefield success, splits in the TTP's ranks and a tug-of-war between IS and al-Qaeda have reduced violence in Pakistan, hopes of this lasting are not high.

The Economist

But it mattered naught.

The Economist

In America, after plans to merge with Sprint came to naught, T-Mobile USA started a price war and introduced new products.

The Economist

This compromise, at least, may not be entirely for naught.

The Economist

Three years ago, President Clinton's attempt to introduce insurance cover for all came embarrassingly to naught.

The Economist

But tea-partiers will consider all the worming and the takeover to have been for naught if a candidate from the right of the party fails to win its presidential nomination.

The Economist

The economy's lousy performance since the bubble burst in 1990 is an old story, and all efforts to revive it seem to come to naught.

The Economist

The second attempt came to naught when the jury was unable to reach a decision.

The Economist

But finding a peacekeeping formula that both he and NATO, let alone the United States' Congress, could live with perhaps a commander from a neutral country—remains fiendishly difficult.Should this diplomacy come to naught, a ground war would by no means be certain to follow: the alliance remains divided even about the need to prepare for one.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "naught" sparingly, as it can sound archaic or overly formal in modern writing. Opt for more common synonyms like "nothing" or "zero" unless you're aiming for a specific stylistic effect.

Common error

Avoid using "naught" in contexts where a neutral or informal tone is required. Its archaic nature can make your writing sound pretentious or out of place if not used carefully.

Linguistic Context

The word "naught" functions primarily as a noun or pronoun, signifying nothing or zero. Ludwig AI examples show its usage in contexts where efforts or plans are rendered futile. Its function often extends to emphasizing the lack of value or result.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "naught" functions as a noun or pronoun meaning "nothing" or "zero", often used to express futility or a lack of result. While grammatically correct, it carries an archaic and formal tone, making it less common in everyday speech. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status, recommending consideration of context due to its formal connotation. More common synonyms like "nothing" or "zero" may be preferable in modern writing, unless a specific stylistic effect is desired. Predominantly found in news and media sources, "naught" is best used sparingly to avoid sounding pretentious.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to no avail

This alternative emphasizes the lack of success or positive outcome, similar to "naught" in contexts of wasted effort.

of no consequence

This phrase highlights the insignificance or lack of importance, akin to something amounting to "naught".

in vain

Similar to "to no avail", this phrase stresses the lack of result despite effort, mirroring the sense of "naught".

without result

This alternative directly indicates the absence of a positive outcome, reflecting the meaning of "naught".

for nothing

This phrase implies that efforts were wasted or pointless, much like something done for "naught".

to no purpose

This alternative conveys the lack of a meaningful outcome or goal, similar to "naught".

without effect

This phrase underscores the absence of any impact or influence, resembling the sense of "naught".

zero outcome

A more direct and modern way to express the absence of a result, similar to "naught" but less archaic.

to come to nothing

This alternative suggests that plans or efforts have failed to produce any positive results, comparable to "naught".

of no use

Expresses that something is not useful or helpful, similar to the concept of something being for "naught".

FAQs

How can I use "naught" in a sentence?

"Naught" is often used to indicate that an effort or attempt was unsuccessful or came to nothing. For example, "All their efforts came to "naught"."

What are some alternatives to the word "naught"?

Alternatives to "naught" include "nothing", "zero", "in vain", or "to no avail". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to use "naught" or "nothing" in modern writing?

While both words can mean the same thing, "nothing" is generally preferred in modern writing due to its more common usage and less archaic tone. "Naught" is suitable if you're aiming for a more formal or literary style.

What does it mean when something "comes to naught"?

When something "comes to "naught"", it means that it ultimately amounts to nothing or fails to achieve the desired result. It signifies futility or lack of success.