none of the computers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "none of the computers" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a situation where not a single computer from a group is applicable or functioning as expected. Example: "None of the computers in the lab are working properly today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

None of the computers can say.

The New Yorker

"None of the computers work!

The New York Times

I noticed that none of the computers had towers.

The New Yorker

None of the computers in my office have audio cards installed, as audio is not necessary for any of the work-oriented tasks I perform on my computer.

The New York Times - Tech

As I now sit in the ICA gallery space, there are none of the computers or books that accompanied us in the rehearsal studio.

The Guardian

"None of the computers or machines worked except for the General Electric-powered machines like the MRIs [magnetic resonance imaging]," recalled Mykhailo Radutskyi, president of the Boris Clinic - Kiev's largest medical clinic.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

None of the computer shopping services would specify how many people use the travel portion of their product.

The New York Times - Style

In person, Mr. Nanjiani is better looking than his "Silicon Valley" character, with none of the computer-geek vibe; Ms. Gordon, funny and ebullient, with large blue eyes, seems like someone Dinesh might awkwardly pursue on the show, with little success.

The New York Times

None of the computer programs we tested (Predotar, TargetP, Psort) predicted PiCYP74C9 to be located in either plastids, mitochondria, or the secretory pathway.

BMC Plant Biology

None of the new computers included a DVD drive – Apple wants you to download movies from iTunes, thank you.

Independent

After a series of costly failures, none of which was caused by computers, the Soviet lunar program was terminated, and none of these computers went into serial production.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "none of the computers", ensure that the context clearly defines the specific group of computers you are referring to. For example, specify "none of the computers in the lab" instead of simply "none of the computers" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "none of the computers" when you actually mean that only some are not working. Instead of saying "none of the computers are working", clarify with "some of the computers are not working" or "most of the computers are down" if that's the case.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "none of the computers" functions as a determiner phrase, specifying that zero members of a particular set of computers are being referred to. It is commonly used to express a lack or absence within a defined group. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "none of the computers" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that indicates that zero computers within a specific group are being referred to. While Ludwig AI affirms its correctness, remember to specify the group of computers to avoid ambiguity. The phrase's register is neutral, making it suitable for various contexts, as showcased by Ludwig's examples. Though fairly common, be mindful of overuse and consider using alternatives such as "not one of the computers" or "zero computers" for variation. Also, avoid generalizations, and always make sure to specify that none of the computers works, or all of them are out of service.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not one of the computers

Emphasizes the complete absence of a single working computer.

not a single computer

Stresses the absence of even one working computer among a group.

no computers whatsoever

Highlights the total lack of computers, intensifying the absence.

there are no working computers

States the non-existence of functional computers, making it clear and simple.

zero computers

Uses a numerical value to express the absence of computers, making it more direct.

no computer is functioning

Highlights the lack of operational computers, underlining the absence of functionality.

computers are non-operational

Emphasizes that the computers are not in a working condition.

all computers are out of service

Indicates that all computers are not functioning, focusing on their state of being out of order.

no computers are available

Highlights the lack of accessibility of the computers.

the computers are all down

Informally suggests that the computers are not working, using a common idiom.

FAQs

How can I use "none of the computers" in a sentence?

You can use "none of the computers" to indicate that no computer within a specific group is functioning. For example, "None of the computers in the library are available for public use today."

What can I say instead of "none of the computers"?

Alternatives include /s/not+one+of+the+computers, /s/zero+computers, or /s/not+a+single+computer depending on the context and desired emphasis.

Is it grammatically correct to say "none of the computers is"?

While technically "none" can be singular or plural, in modern English, it's more common and accepted to use a plural verb. Therefore, "none of the computers are" is generally preferred.

What's the difference between "none of the computers" and "no computers"?

"None of the computers" implies a specific group of computers being considered, while /s/no+computers is a more general statement indicating an absence of computers in a broader sense. For instance, "None of the computers in this room are working" versus "There are no computers in that old building."