none of them are

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence 'none of them are' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that none of the things or people being discussed possess a particular characteristic or quality. For example, "None of them are qualified to lead the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

None of them are wrong.

The New Yorker

None of them are simple.

The New York Times

"None of them are complaining".

The New York Times

None of them are straight.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And none of them are perfect.

The New York Times

Obviously, none of them are getting younger.Mr.

The New York Times

In fact, none of them are ideas.

The New York Times

None of them are for sale either.

The New Yorker

Indeed, but none of them are printable.

Independent

Still, none of them are sheep.

The New York Times

None of them are "Tinters" yet, though.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure clear context by specifying the group or category being referred to. For example, "None of them are suitable candidates for the job."

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly defining what "them" refers to. If the reference is unclear, rephrase to specify the subjects directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "none of them are" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically indicating the absence of a particular attribute or condition across a group of individuals or items. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

24%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "none of them are" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express that no members of a group share a particular attribute. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and common usage across diverse contexts. Its primary function is to negate a shared characteristic, and its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. While the phrase is most frequently found in news and academic settings, it also appears in science and general conversation. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure clarity by explicitly defining the group to which "them" refers, preventing any ambiguity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not one of them is

Emphasizes the singularity and exclusion of each individual item or person.

not a single one of them is

Highlights the complete absence of the characteristic among all members of the group.

not any of them are

Similar meaning, but slightly more emphasis on the lack of even a single instance.

they all aren't

Uses a simpler structure, suitable for less formal contexts.

no one of them is

Focuses on the absence within the group, emphasizing individuality.

every one of them isn't

Alternative phrasing, stressing each individual's exclusion.

they are none

Shortened form, maintaining the essence of the original phrase.

not one among them is

Adds a sense of location or placement within the group being described.

all of them fail to be

Rephrases to focus on the failure to meet a certain condition or characteristic.

none in their ranks is

More formal or literary phrasing, suggesting a structured group or organization.

FAQs

How do I use "none of them are" in a sentence?

Use "none of them are" to indicate that zero members of a group possess a certain quality or characteristic. For example, "None of them are available for comment at this time."

What are some alternatives to "none of them are"?

You can use alternatives like "not one of them is", "not a single one of them is", or "they all aren't" depending on the context.

Is it ever appropriate to say "none of them is"?

While technically "none" can be singular, "none of them are" is more common and generally preferred in contemporary English. Using "none of them is" might sound overly formal or slightly awkward.

Which is the correct option to say, "none of them are" or "not one of them is"?

"None of them are" and "not one of them is" are both correct, but they carry slightly different connotations. The former focuses on the group, while the latter emphasizes the individual. The choice depends on the intended emphasis.