none of the members

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "none of the members" is a grammatically correct and properly constructed phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a group of people to emphasize that none of them have performed an action or expressed a particular opinion. For example: "None of the members of the Board of Directors were in favor of the proposed plan."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

None of the members of the parish's finance council returned calls seeking comment.

The New York Times

My argument is not that none of the members of the "caravan" are migrants.

The Guardian - Opinion

None of the members of the commando team were injured or killed, he said.

The New York Times

To call Amici a band is a bit misleading, since none of the members play instruments.

The New York Times - Arts

None of the members can support themselves; tells of the many handicaps they work under.

The New Yorker

Perhaps most important, none of the members became rich by eating out less.

The New York Times

None of the members of the National Salvation Committee have been publicly identified, purportedly for fear of reprisals.

The New York Times

None of the members of the New York Club come from the three Basque provinces of France.

The New Yorker

When they split in 2006, none of the members were exactly tipped for long careers in the music industry.

The Guardian - Music

(The band's name means "airplane" in Thai, but none of the members claim roots in the South Asian country).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

None of the members on this product work with me on editorial issues.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "none of the members", ensure the verb agrees with the intended meaning. If you emphasize the group as a whole, use a singular verb. If you emphasize the individual members, use a plural verb. However, using a plural verb is more common.

Common error

A common mistake is using a singular verb when a plural verb is more appropriate, especially in informal contexts. For example, while "None of the members is available" is grammatically correct, "None of the members are available" is more widely accepted and sounds more natural.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "none of the members" is as a partitive phrase, indicating a portion (in this case, zero) of a larger group. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is grammatically correct. This means that it serves to specify the quantity of members under consideration.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

27%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "none of the members" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase for expressing the absence of any individuals from a group fulfilling a certain condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, its structure is sound. While both singular and plural verbs can follow the phrase, plural verbs are generally preferred for a more natural sound. This phrase appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts, demonstrating its wide applicability. When aiming for variety in writing, consider alternatives like ""not one of the members"" or ""no members"". However, be mindful of the verb agreement and the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

no members

A shorter, more direct way of expressing the same idea.

not one of the members

Emphasizes the individual absence of each member.

not any of the members

A slightly more emphatic way of saying "none of the members".

no member whatsoever

Highlights the complete absence of any member fulfilling a condition.

not a single member

Stresses the absence of even one member.

there are no members

Shifts the focus to the non-existence of members.

zero members

Uses a numerical value to indicate complete absence.

absolutely no members

Emphasizes the completeness of the absence.

without exception, no members

Adds emphasis on the lack of any exceptions.

in no instance any member

A more formal and emphatic way of stating the absence.

FAQs

How do I choose between singular and plural verbs with "none of the members"?

While grammatically, both singular and plural verbs can follow "none of the members", it's generally safer to use a plural verb. Using the plural verb, as in "None of the members are...", is more common and widely accepted in contemporary English.

What does "none of the members" actually mean?

"None of the members" signifies that not a single individual within a specific group or collective fulfills a particular condition or is part of a certain action. It emphasizes a complete absence or lack of participation from all individuals within the group.

What are some alternatives to "none of the members"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases such as "not one of the members", "no members", or "not a single member" to convey a similar meaning. The choice depends on the nuance you want to express.

Is it ever incorrect to use "none of the members"?

The phrase itself is grammatically sound, but its effectiveness depends on the context. Overusing it, especially in writing, can make your prose sound repetitive. Consider varying your language with alternatives to maintain reader engagement.