nothing next to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nothing next to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is insignificant or minimal in comparison to something else. Example: "The amount of money I saved is nothing next to what I spent on my vacation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

But this is nothing next to His generosity.

The New Yorker

Sorry, Mr. Greenspan, but you're nothing next to these exotic oil men.

The New York Times

"And, as if nothing, next to the baby's basket on the kitchen floor sat a basket of apples.

The New Yorker

That's what's coming next – 2016 will be nothing next to the general election of 2020, our year of reckoning.

The Guardian

The waste of money in the NHS is nothing next to the waste of talent and energy and hope.

The Guardian

"The French cars are nothing, next to this," Mr. Mirza exulted, running a hand along the car's flanks.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

"I begin with nothing, or next to nothing.

The Guardian - Books

But year after year the result is the same: nothing, or next to nothing, happens.

The New Yorker

The bottles, the boxes, the organic waste -- we get it for nothing or next to nothing.

The New York Times

I know nothing, or next to nothing, about the judicial system".

The New York Times

The producers are working "for nothing, or next to nothing," he added.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nothing next to" to effectively downplay the significance of one thing when contrasted with another, especially when the difference is considerable.

Common error

Avoid using "nothing next to" when the items being compared are not distinctly different in magnitude or importance, as this can create a misleading or exaggerated effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nothing next to" functions as a comparative, specifically to diminish the importance or significance of one item relative to another. This is supported by Ludwig examples showing its use in contrasting elements of varying importance, as affirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Wiki

6%

HuffPost

4%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

The Guardian - Travel

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "nothing next to" effectively diminishes the significance of one thing when compared to another, often superior, element. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, including news, media, and general discussions. Its neutral register makes it a versatile choice for emphasizing disparities, as showcased by various Ludwig examples. To ensure clarity, avoid using it when differences aren't significant, and remember to highlight clear distinctions for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pale in comparison to

Emphasizes the relative lack of significance or impressiveness.

insignificant compared to

Highlights the lack of importance relative to something else.

cannot hold a candle to

Suggests a strong disparity in quality or importance.

bears no comparison to

Indicates that there is no valid basis for comparing the two things.

not a patch on

Implies that something is significantly inferior.

a far cry from

Indicates a significant difference or discrepancy.

pales beside

Similar to "pale in comparison to", but with a slightly different emphasis.

not even close to

Highlights that two things aren't comparable in quality or degree.

dwarfed by

Indicates that something is much smaller or less significant.

outweighed by

Highlights the greater importance or impact of something else.

FAQs

How can I use "nothing next to" in a sentence?

Use "nothing next to" to emphasize the insignificance of one thing when compared to something else. For example, "The cost of the repair was "nothing next to" the value of the car".

What phrases are similar to "nothing next to"?

Similar phrases include "pale in comparison to", "insignificant compared to", or "cannot hold a candle to", all expressing a large difference in importance or quality.

When is it appropriate to use "nothing next to" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to clearly indicate that one thing is much less significant than another. This is common in both formal and informal contexts, as shown in the Ludwig examples.

Is "nothing next to" considered formal or informal language?

The phrase "nothing next to" is suitable for both formal and informal language, making it versatile for various writing styles. Its appropriateness depends on the context and the desired level of emphasis.