not even a word

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not even a word" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express disbelief or emphasize that something isn't true. For example: "I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes--it was unbelievable, not even a word can describe it!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

It's not even a word".

The New Yorker

That's not even a word".

The New Yorker

There we find no suffering - not even a WORD for suffering.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"That's not even a word on the scale if there were to be a work stoppage".

The New York Times - Sports

There was not even a word of concern about the emergence of a very large budget def??cit.

The New York Times

In Pashto, the country's most widely spoken language, there is not even a word for elevator; most speakers say "lieft," borrowing from "lift," the British term for elevator.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"Smite" isn't even a word.

The New Yorker

So it wasn't even a word.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

There isn't even a word for it.

Independent

He couldn't be mollified, and Louified isn't even a word.

The New Yorker

It's so unnatural, there isn't even a word for families who lose a child".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not even a word" to emphasize the complete absence of something, particularly in situations where you expect it to be present. For instance, "After the accident, he didn't say not even a word."

Common error

Avoid using "not even a word" when a weaker expression of absence is more appropriate. Overusing it can dilute its impact, so reserve it for situations where strong emphasis is truly needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not even a word" serves as an intensifier to emphasize the complete absence of verbal communication. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. The phrase highlights a lack of response or expression, often in situations where one might expect it.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not even a word" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to emphasize a complete absence of verbal communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly found in News & Media and academic contexts. When employing this phrase, consider the strength of emphasis needed and be mindful of potential overuse. Alternatives such as ""not a single word"" and ""utterly speechless"" can provide similar emphasis with varying degrees of formality. This phrase serves to highlight surprise, disbelief, or the severity of a situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not so much as a word

Adds emphasis to the lack of any verbal communication, even the smallest amount.

not a single word

Emphasizes the complete absence of any verbal communication.

not one word

Similar to "not a single word", highlighting the lack of any utterance.

not a syllable

Focuses on the absence of even the smallest part of a word being uttered.

not even a peep

Replaces "word" with "peep" to indicate even the smallest sound is absent.

not a whisper

Indicates the absence of even the quietest of spoken words.

utterly speechless

Focuses on the inability to speak rather than the absence of words themselves.

completely silent

Highlights the overall lack of sound, including speech.

without a word

Emphasizes the action of doing something without speaking.

never a word

Indicates that something was never mentioned or spoken about.

FAQs

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

You can use "not even a word" to emphasize the complete absence of something verbal, such as in the sentence, "She was so shocked she couldn't utter "not even a word"."

What are some alternatives to "not even a word"?

Alternatives include "not a single word", "utterly speechless", or "completely silent", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "not even one word" instead of "not even a word"?

Yes, "not even one word" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning, emphasizing the absence of any single word.

What's the difference between "not even a word" and "without a word"?

"Not even a word" emphasizes the lack of verbal communication, while "without a word" emphasizes the action of doing something in silence.