no

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "no" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express negation, disagreement, or refusal in various contexts. Example: "No, I do not agree with that statement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Please, no.

The New York Times

Nor is it always the worse for the society that it was no part of it.

The Economist

No deal is better than a bad deal.

The New York Times

And no wonder.

The New York Times

But no longer.

The New York Times

He has no idea.

The Guardian - Film

No chance".

The New York Times - Sports

No surrender".

The New York Times

There is no time to waste.

The New York Times

The third group had the condoms, the advice and the counselling, but the gel was a placebo, containing no active ingredient.In this section Davy Jones's lock-up Girls on top Dashed hopes An early Christmas present?

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

No one listened.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "no" to provide clear and direct responses to questions or requests for emphasis. For example, instead of "I don't think so", a simple "no" can be more impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "no" in conjunction with other negative words, such as "not" or "never", as this can create confusion and weaken your message. For instance, instead of saying "There is no reason not to go", simply say "There is every reason to go".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "no" is negation. It serves as a direct and unequivocal way to express disagreement, refusal, or denial. Ludwig AI confirms that the examples show clear instances of its use as a negating particle.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "no" serves as a fundamental tool for negation across many forms of communication. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and prevalent, particularly in News & Media. To avoid overuse or potential impoliteness, consider using alternative such as "not at all" or "certainly not". While direct, "no" should be used thoughtfully, adding context where necessary for a more respectful or nuanced response.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not at all

Emphasizes complete negation or disagreement.

certainly not

Highlights a strong and definitive refusal.

absolutely not

Indicates an emphatic disagreement or denial.

by no means

Suggests that something is definitely not the case.

in no way

Expresses that something is impossible or unacceptable.

not in the slightest

Implies a very small or non-existent degree of something.

under no circumstances

Indicates a strict prohibition or impossibility.

never

Expresses a complete absence or impossibility at any time.

nay

An archaic or formal term for "no".

negative

Often used in response to a question or command, indicating disagreement.

FAQs

How can I use "no" effectively in a sentence?

Use "no" to directly negate a statement or refuse a request. For example, "No, I don't think so" clearly expresses disagreement.

What are some alternatives to saying "no"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "not at all", "certainly not", or "absolutely not".

Is it ever impolite to use "no"?

While "no" is direct, it can be perceived as impolite in certain situations. Soften the response by adding context: "No, thank you" or "I'm afraid I can't, no".

When should I use "no" instead of a more elaborate refusal?

Use "no" when clarity and conciseness are essential, or when you want to express a firm boundary. For example, a simple "no" can be more effective than a lengthy explanation in setting limits.