no such thing

USAGE SUMMARY

"no such thing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to express that something does not exist. For example: "There's no such thing as a free lunch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No such thing happened.

The New York Times

But no such thing.

The New York Times

There was no such thing.

The Economist

It is no such thing".

The New York Times

Everybody knows no such thing!

The New York Times

Welch did no such thing.

The New Yorker

I saw no such thing.

The New York Times

I recall no such thing.

The New York Times

You find no such thing.

The New Yorker

He's done no such thing.

The New Yorker

She found no such thing.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "no such thing" to firmly deny the existence of something, especially when countering a common belief or misconception.

Common error

Avoid using "no such thing" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated vocabulary like "nonexistent" or "unfounded" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "no such thing" functions as a negation, asserting that something does not exist or is not real. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showing examples where it is used to contradict assumptions or beliefs.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "no such thing" is a versatile phrase used to express the non-existence of something or to negate a concept. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. While generally neutral in register, it’s best used in informal settings and should be replaced with more sophisticated terms in formal writing. Authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Economist frequently employ it. When a more formal tone is necessary, alternatives like "does not exist" or "nonexistent" can be used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

does not exist

Focuses on the non-existence of something in a direct manner.

nonexistent

A more formal way of saying something does not exist.

there isn't any

Implies a lack of something tangible or conceptual.

not a single one

Emphasizes the complete absence of something.

absolutely nothing

Highlights the total lack of something, often with a sense of finality.

not at all

Conveys a strong denial or lack of something.

unfounded

Similar to 'baseless', but emphasizes the lack of support or evidence.

baseless

Indicates a lack of foundation or truth, rather than existence.

pure fabrication

Indicates something has been invented or made up entirely.

mere illusion

Suggests that something appears to exist but is not real.

FAQs

How can I use "no such thing" in a sentence?

Use "no such thing" to negate the existence of a concept or object. For example, "There's "no such thing as a free lunch"".

What does "no such thing" mean?

It means that something doesn't exist or isn't real. It's often used to contradict an assumption or belief.

Are there alternatives to using "no such thing"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "does not exist", "there isn't any", or "nonexistent" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "no such thing"?

It is appropriate in informal conversations or when you want to emphasize the lack of something in a direct and clear way. However, avoid it in formal writing where more sophisticated language is preferred.