nobody

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nobody" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to no person or not a single person in various contexts, often to emphasize the absence of individuals. Example: "Nobody showed up to the meeting, which was quite disappointing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's nobody else's fault but mine, and it's embarrassing".

The Guardian - Tech

Nobody is happy.

The New York Times - Sports

Nobody really knows.

The New York Times

Nobody has a bigger interest in getting them released than I do," Clinton told reporters during a campaign stop in Iowa.

The Guardian

Nobody knows what it means".

The Guardian

"Nobody spoke.

The Guardian - Sport

NOBODY knows anything.

The Economist

Nobody comes out of this looking good.

The New York Times

Nobody wants to see that happen.

The New York Times

Nobody wins.

The New York Times - Sports

Nobody has that sort of conversation after the launch of Debenhams' autumn knitwear range.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Remember that "nobody" always takes a singular verb. For example, "Nobody knows" (correct) versus "Nobody know" (incorrect).

Common error

Avoid using plural verbs with "nobody". It is a singular pronoun, so use singular verb forms. Don't say "Nobody were there"; instead, say "Nobody was there".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "nobody" is as a singular pronoun, acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It indicates the absence of any person. Ludwig's examples clearly show this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Nobody" functions as a singular pronoun denoting the absence of any person. According to Ludwig, this word is grammatically correct and commonly used, as validated by numerous examples from reliable sources like The Guardian and The New York Times. The semantic function centers on expressing the non-existence or lack of importance of individuals in a given context. While interchangeable with alternatives like "no one", "not a soul", or "not anybody", careful attention should be paid to maintaining singular verb conjugation when utilizing "nobody" to ensure grammatical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

no one

A direct synonym, interchangeable with "nobody" in most contexts.

not a soul

Emphasizes the complete absence of any person.

not one person

Stresses that even a single person is absent.

not anyone

A more emphatic way of saying no one is present or involved.

not a body

Informal way of expressing that no one is present.

not a single person

Highlights the lack of even one individual.

not anybody

Indicates that no person whatsoever is relevant or present.

no person

A more formal and less common way to express the absence of people.

no individuals

A formal way to express the absence of people, often used in official contexts.

zero people

A very literal and somewhat technical way to say no one is present.

FAQs

How do I use "nobody" in a sentence?

"Nobody" functions as a singular pronoun, referring to no person. For example, "Nobody called while you were out." It can also act as a noun, meaning a person of no importance, as in, "He went from being a "nonentity" to a celebrity overnight."

What's a good alternative to "nobody"?

Alternatives to "nobody" include "no one", "not a single person", or "not anybody". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "Nobody are"?

No, it's grammatically incorrect. "Nobody" is a singular pronoun and requires a singular verb. The correct phrase is "Nobody is."

What is the difference between "nobody" and "anybody"?

"Nobody" means not a single person, whereas "anybody" refers to any person at all. They are antonyms. For example, "Nobody likes being criticized," versus, "Did anybody call while I was away?"