not a single word

USAGE SUMMARY

"not a single word" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone has not said anything. For example: "She was silent the whole time, not saying a single word."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I mean, not a single word".

The New Yorker

He later boasted that not a single word of it was written in Chicago.

The New Yorker

Not a single word about my writing or my unhappiness was mentioned.

The New York Times

His book is entirely unoriginal: not a single word of his own is added.

The New Yorker

And yet my book contains not a single word of criticism about larger-sized people.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Throughout this "tribunal" (Gerichtshof), as he described it, Kafka spoke not a single word.

The Guardian - Books

Nor was there a word -- not a single word -- about Pearl Harbor!

The New York Times

Yet not a single word that he ever says is actually given us in the novel.

The Guardian - Books

"What you are saying has not a single word of truth," he said.

The New York Times

It features hoovered chickens and electrocuted cattle – but not a single word of explanation.

The Guardian

Not a single word he wrote held back a Hirst or Perry or Banksy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not a single word" to emphasize a complete absence of communication, especially when highlighting surprise, disapproval, or a significant omission.

Common error

Avoid using "not a single word" in situations where a more nuanced or specific description of silence is required. For instance, if the silence is due to confusion, describe the confusion directly instead of just stating the absence of words.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not a single word" functions as an emphatic negative determiner modifying the noun "word." It serves to highlight the complete absence of any verbal communication. Ludwig contains numerous examples that prove its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not a single word" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to emphasize the complete absence of communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's prevalent in news and media, and can be used across different registers. While alternatives like "utterly silent" or "said nothing at all" exist, this phrase's strength lies in its emphasis on a total lack of utterance. When writing, use "not a single word" to highlight a significant absence of communication, but avoid it where a more nuanced description is required. Always use it to amplify your message, but don't rely on it to do all the work for you.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

said nothing at all

Simple, direct way of stating the absence of speech.

did not breathe a word

Emphasizes secrecy or a conscious effort to avoid speaking.

not even a syllable

Highlights the lack of even the smallest unit of speech.

not a peep

Suggests a complete absence of sound, often in a situation where some sound might be expected.

kept mum

Informal way to describe someone who is refusing to talk.

utterly silent

Focuses on the complete lack of speech.

remained tight-lipped

Highlights a deliberate choice not to disclose any information.

no comment whatsoever

Implies a deliberate refusal to speak.

complete silence

Highlights the lack of any verbal communication.

no utterance

Emphasizes the complete absence of spoken words.

FAQs

How can I use "not a single word" in a sentence?

You can use "not a single word" to emphasize the absence of any communication, like in the sentence "Despite the accusations, he uttered "not a single word" in his defense.".

What are some alternatives to saying "not a single word"?

Alternatives include "utterly silent", "not a peep", or "said nothing at all", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it grammatically correct to say "not a single word"?

Yes, "not a single word" is grammatically correct and commonly used to emphasize a complete lack of communication. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples from reliable sources.

In what situations is "not a single word" most appropriate?

"Not a single word" is most appropriate when you want to highlight the complete absence of any communication, especially in situations where some response or utterance might be expected or required.