not a shred

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not a shred" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that there is absolutely no evidence or trace of something. Example: "He had not a shred of doubt that he would succeed in his endeavors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is a small dome filled with shredded money and entitled "Not a Shred of Evidence".

The New York Times

"Not a shred of doubt," he said.

The New York Times

"I have not a shred of regret.

The Guardian

Kathleen A. McAuley has not a shred of doubt.

The New York Times

There is not a shred of truth in them.

The Guardian

There was not a shred of newsprint anywhere in sight.

The New York Times

There's not a shred of evidence from these trials".

The New York Times

"Life of Brian" contains not a shred of blasphemy.

The New Yorker

There is not a shred of theatricality in his performance.

The New York Times

It is that there is not a shred of idealism.

The Guardian

No concrete, no womb chair, not a shred of a trend.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not a shred" to emphasize the complete absence of something, especially when discussing evidence, truth, or doubt. This phrase adds a stronger sense of negation than simply saying "no" or "none".

Common error

Avoid using "not a shred" when there is some, even minimal, evidence or indication. The phrase implies a complete absence, so using it when something partially exists can weaken your argument or create confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not a shred" functions as an emphatic negator. It's used to strongly assert the absence of something, be it evidence, doubt, or truth, as shown by Ludwig's examples where it denies any trace of something. The phrase enhances the impact of a negative statement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not a shred" is a common and effective way to emphasize the complete absence of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. The phrase serves to emphatically deny the existence of something, adding impact to negative statements. While "not a shred" maintains a neutral register, ensuring broad applicability, it's crucial to avoid using it where even a minimal amount exists, to prevent overstatement. Alternatives like ""not a trace"" or ""zero evidence"" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not a trace

Emphasizes the complete absence of physical evidence or any indication.

zero evidence

Focuses specifically on the lack of proof or support for a claim.

absolutely nothing

Highlights a total lack of something, focusing on the 'nothingness'.

not at all

Indicates a complete negation or absence of something.

without any

Focuses on the absence of any element or aspect of something.

no sign whatsoever

Stresses the lack of any indication or evidence.

not a hint

Emphasizes the absence of even the slightest suggestion.

entirely lacking

Emphasizes the complete absence of something.

no iota

Highlights the lack of even the smallest amount or degree.

devoid of

Indicates that something is completely empty or lacking a particular quality.

FAQs

How can I use "not a shred" in a sentence?

You can use "not a shred" to emphasize the complete absence of something. For example, "There is "not a shred of evidence" to support that claim."

What are some alternatives to "not a shred"?

Some alternatives include "not a trace", "absolutely nothing", or "zero evidence". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "not a shred" or "not a bit"?

"Not a shred" and "not a bit" are both relatively informal, but "not a shred" can sometimes add a slightly stronger emphasis. The level of formality also depends heavily on the surrounding context.

What does it mean when someone says there's "not a shred" of something?

It means there is absolutely none of that thing. For instance, saying there's "not a shred of doubt" means there is no doubt whatsoever.