nothing can be achieved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nothing can be achieved" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the idea that without effort, action, or certain conditions, no progress or success can occur. Example: "Without teamwork and collaboration, nothing can be achieved in this project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Nothing can be achieved overnight.

The Guardian - Opinion

Nothing can be achieved in the country without bribes.

The New York Times

Nothing can be achieved unless staff and children feel safe".

Independent

"Nothing can be achieved today without the agreement of China".

The New York Times

Nothing can be achieved unless this country curbs its own demand for illegal narcotics.

The New York Times

"Nothing can be achieved by terror, violently claiming lives of the innocent," Mr. Gul said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

The issues are complex and far-reaching but without addressing this, nothing else can be achieved.

The Guardian - Business

However, a fear remains that nothing decisive can be achieved without international intervention.

The Guardian

"The idea that nothing good can be achieved [at NYU] without a union is balderdash," remarks Catharine Stimpson, dean of NYU's Graduate School of Arts and Science.

Science Magazine

However, he stressed again the opposition view that the transfer of power issue must "come first, because nothing else can be achieved before we form a transitional governing body".

BBC

The region is often dismissed as a chronic problem where nothing positive can be achieved.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nothing can be achieved" to highlight the necessity of specific conditions or actions for progress. For instance, "Nothing can be achieved without a clear strategy and dedicated resources."

Common error

Avoid using "nothing can be achieved" in situations where some progress is still possible. It's better to say "limited progress can be made" if some, even small, advances can still occur.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nothing can be achieved" functions as a declarative statement expressing impossibility or futility. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and commonly used to highlight the absence of progress under certain conditions. The examples show its use across various domains.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "nothing can be achieved" is a grammatically sound and common expression used to convey the impossibility of progress without certain prerequisites. According to Ludwig, the phrase is widely applicable across various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. The phrase functions as a declarative statement, emphasizing the need for specific conditions or actions to facilitate progress. While it maintains a neutral tone, its use in more serious contexts lends it a degree of formality. Therefore, it's essential to use this phrase judiciously and consider alternative phrases such as "no progress is possible" or "all efforts will be in vain" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

no progress is possible

Focuses on the absence of advancement or development.

no success can be attained

Emphasizes the impossibility of reaching a desired outcome.

it's impossible to succeed

Highlights the lack of any chance for a positive result.

all efforts will be in vain

Focuses on the futility of trying, suggesting wasted effort.

no results will be obtained

Emphasizes the lack of any positive outcome or gain.

there's no point in trying

Highlights the lack of purpose or value in making an attempt.

it's a lost cause

Indicates a situation where failure is inevitable.

it's a futile endeavor

Emphasizes the wastefulness and ineffectiveness of the attempt.

success is unattainable

Highlights the impossibility of reaching a desired outcome or goal.

it's an exercise in futility

Focuses on the unproductive and pointless nature of the attempt.

FAQs

How can I use "nothing can be achieved" in a sentence?

Use "nothing can be achieved" to emphasize that progress is impossible without certain prerequisites. For example, "Nothing can be achieved without teamwork and collaboration."

What are some alternatives to "nothing can be achieved"?

Alternatives include phrases like "no progress is possible", "no success can be attained", or "all efforts will be in vain", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "nothing can be achieved" and "nothing can be done"?

"Nothing can be achieved" implies that progress or success is impossible, while "nothing can be done" suggests that no action is possible to remedy a situation. They have different implications depending on whether the focus is on outcomes or actions.

Is it correct to say "anything can be achieved" instead of "nothing can be achieved"?

Yes, it is correct, but they have opposite meanings. "Anything can be achieved" expresses optimism and possibility, while "nothing can be achieved" expresses pessimism or the necessity of certain preconditions.