none of which

USAGE SUMMARY

"none of which" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used in the middle of a sentence to refer to a previously mentioned group of things--things which are being excluded from the discussion. For example: "I have 5 cats, none of which I'd consider giving away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

None of which matters.

Independent

None of which are bad things, obviously.

Independent

None of which do the job.

Independent

None of which makes Iraq unique.

The New York Times

None of which were birthday-related.

The New Yorker

None of which sounds terribly thrilling.

The Economist

None of which is a bad thing.

Independent

None of which applies to Turkey.

The New York Times

None of which justifies egregious maltreatment.

The New York Times

None of which is new".

The New York Times

None of which has changed.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "none of which", ensure that the preceding clause clearly defines the set of items or concepts being referred to. This avoids ambiguity and maintains clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using a singular verb after "none of which" when referring to a plural antecedent. While "none" can sometimes be singular, in this construction, it typically refers to multiple items. For example, instead of saying "I have five options, none of which is appealing", use "I have five options, none of which are appealing".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "none of which" is as a relative pronoun introducing a non-restrictive relative clause. This clause provides additional information about a previously mentioned noun phrase, indicating that no element within that group possesses a particular characteristic or quality. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is commonly used in formal writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "none of which" is a commonly used phrase that serves as a relative pronoun, introducing a clause to exclude or negate a quality from a previously mentioned group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media. The best practice is to ensure the antecedent is clear, while avoiding mismatched pronoun numbers is a common error. Related phrases offer variations in emphasis, but maintain the core meaning. This phrase provides a useful and precise way to express exceptions and limitations in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not any of which

Replaces "none" with "not any", slightly altering the emphasis but maintaining the same meaning.

not one of which

Emphasizes the individual exclusion of each item, rather than the group as a whole.

of which not a single one

Adds emphasis on the singularity of the exclusion, reinforcing the idea that not even one item qualifies.

of which not one

Inverts the phrase structure for a more formal or literary tone.

and none of these

Connects to a preceding statement, specifying that none of the mentioned items apply.

none amongst these

Uses "amongst" for a slightly more archaic or formal feel.

not a single one of them

Shifts the focus to the individual items, emphasizing that not even one meets the criteria.

in not one instance

Highlights absence in a stronger and clearer way.

in no instance

Offers a more general expression of negation, applicable when referring to specific instances or occurrences.

without exception

Indicates that exclusion applies universally to the group under consideration.

FAQs

How do I use "none of which" in a sentence?

"None of which" is used to refer back to a group of things mentioned earlier in the sentence, indicating that not a single item in that group possesses a certain quality or characteristic. For example, "I tried several desserts, "none of which" satisfied my craving".

What's a simpler way to say "none of which"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "not one of them", "nothing", or "not any". The best alternative depends on what you're trying to emphasize.

Is it ever correct to say "none of whom" instead of "none of which"?

Yes, "none of whom" is correct when referring to people, while "none of which" is used for things or ideas. For instance, "I interviewed several candidates, "none of whom" had the right experience".

Can "none of which" be used at the beginning of a sentence?

While grammatically possible, it's generally better to avoid starting a sentence with "none of which" for clarity. It's usually more effective to place it in the middle or end of a sentence where the antecedent is clear.