not a shred of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not a shred of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the complete absence of something, often in a context where evidence or proof is being discussed. Example: "There was not a shred of evidence to support his claims during the trial."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

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 of" to emphasize the complete absence of something, particularly when discussing evidence, proof, or any tangible support for a claim.

Common error

While "not a shred of" is acceptable, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Choose simpler alternatives like "none" or "not any" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not a shred of" functions as an intensifier that emphasizes the complete absence of something, typically evidence, truth, or hope. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not a shred of" is a common and correct phrase used to emphasize the complete absence of something, like evidence or truth. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, showing it often appears in news and media contexts. While grammatically sound and effective for adding emphasis, remember that more informal alternatives might be suitable in casual settings. Use "not a shred of" to powerfully convey the lack of something significant in formal and neutral communications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

no trace of

Emphasizes the absence of any discernible mark or indication.

not a trace of

Similar to "no trace of", but with added emphasis on the complete absence.

no iota of

Highlights the lack of even the smallest amount.

not an iota of

Same meaning as "no iota of", with additional emphasis.

no hint of

Suggests the absence of any subtle indication or suggestion.

not a hint of

Same meaning as "no hint of", with additional emphasis.

absolutely no

A more emphatic and direct way of expressing complete absence.

no sign of

Indicates the lack of any observable evidence.

not a sign of

Similar to "no sign of", with added emphasis on the absence.

zero

A very direct and concise way to express the complete absence of something.

FAQs

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

Use "not a shred of" to emphasize the complete lack of something, often evidence or proof. For example, "There is "not a shred of evidence" to support that claim."

What are some alternatives to "not a shred of"?

You can use alternatives like "no trace of", "not a hint of", or "absolutely no" depending on the context and desired emphasis.

Is it more correct to say "not a shred of evidence" or "no shred of evidence"?

"Not a shred of evidence" is more common and idiomatic. "No shred of evidence" is grammatically correct but less frequently used.

What is the difference between "not a shred of" and "a little bit of"?

"Not a shred of" indicates a complete absence, while "a little bit of" suggests a small quantity or degree. They are antonyms.