nought

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "nought" is correct and can be used in written English.
It typically refers to a numerical value of zero and can be used either as a noun or an adjective. For example, "We've had nought luck in finding the cat" or "He scored nought on the test".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Illsley recalls: "I remember calls in the dead of night from some pickets saying: 'We've got here but there's nought but broken windows.'" David (now Lord Huntthoughthishis appointment as coal minister was a prank.

The Guardian

Or it could lead to nought.

The Guardian

Benign conspiracies Plenty to go round What's in a nought?

The Economist

On April 27th a judicial panel ordered a review of a February decision not to prosecute Mr Ozawa.Worse, the prime minister's early promise to concentrate decision-making powers in the cabinet has come to nought.

The Economist

Attempts to protect investors from market swings may come to nought.

The Economist

Such a sale often takes place through a public stockmarket.At one end of the business are the venture capitalists (VCs) who try to get in on the ground floor, building companies from nought.

The Economist

Though economic progress and higher wages had raised everyone's standard of living, the hours of "free" time Americans had been promised had come to nought.

The Economist

Nought to worry about Taxing judgments Against the grain Counting heads Reprints Related items Japan: Finding a second windAug 26th 2004 Retailing: Turning JapaneseAug 26th 2004 Japanese banks: Zombies bewareAug 12th 2004 Japanese banks: Question of trustAug 5th 2004It is not yet clear whether UFJ's managers will be compelled, or even want, to run this offer past their shareholders.

The Economist

Israel's attempts to drop warning leaflets, direct civilians out of danger zones and call daily humanitarian pauses may well have been inadequate, but the report counts them for nought.

The Economist

Nought to worry about Taxing judgments Against the grain Counting heads Reprints Related items A fine place to beMay 2nd 2002Founded in 1916 as the first of the GSEs, the farm-credit system is now over-regulated and fragmented.

The Economist

He thinks the mood now feels more like 1982, when earlier efforts in Geneva to launch a new round came to nought because France blocked any serious discussion of agriculture.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "nought" in formal writing, ensure the context aligns with its slightly archaic tone. Consider synonyms like "zero" or "nothing" for modern usage.

Common error

Avoid confusing "nought" (zero or nothing) with "naught" (wicked or disobedient). While both words are uncommon, using the wrong one can significantly alter your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "nought" is a noun, representing the numerical value of zero or the concept of nothing. It can also function as an adverb, meaning not at all. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "nought" is a valid and frequently used term that denotes zero or nothing. While it carries a slightly archaic tone, it remains appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and formal writing. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. When writing, it's crucial to differentiate "nought" from "naught" to avoid confusion. Although it can sound archaic, it's grammatically correct and has high source authority according to the many Ludwig examples. As an alternative, consider "zero" or "nothing" for a more contemporary feel.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Zero

A direct synonym, commonly used in numerical contexts.

Nothing

Emphasizes the absence of something.

Nil

Implies a complete lack or absence, often used in sports scores.

Worthless

Focuses on the lack of value or importance.

Of no value

Expresses the absence of monetary or practical worth.

Of no consequence

Highlights the insignificance or unimportance of something.

To no avail

Indicates that efforts were unsuccessful and achieved nothing.

In vain

Similar to "to no avail", emphasizing the futility of an action.

Without result

States plainly that there was no positive outcome.

A big fat zero

An informal expression emphasizing complete failure or lack of achievement.

FAQs

How can I use "nought" in a sentence?

"Nought" can be used to represent zero, as in "The team's efforts came to "to nought"", meaning they achieved nothing, or numerically, as in "The score was "nought to one"".

What can I say instead of "nought"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "zero", "nothing", or "nil".

Which is correct, "nought" or "aught"?

"Nought" means zero or nothing. "Aught" is an archaic word that can mean anything or zero, depending on the context, but it is rarely used in modern English.

What's the difference between "nought" and "naught"?

"Nought" signifies zero or nothing. "Naught" means wicked or disobedient. They are distinct words with different meanings, though both are relatively uncommon today.