nowhere to go

USAGE SUMMARY

'nowhere to go' is a grammatically correct phrase.
It is often used to express the feeling of being stuck or having no options. For example, "He had nowhere to go, so he stayed in the same job for years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There's nowhere to go.

The New York Times

"There's nowhere to go then".

The New York Times - Arts

It had nowhere to go.

The New York Times - Arts

I had nowhere to go.

The New York Times

He had nowhere to go.

The New York Times

I have nowhere to go.

The New Yorker

There is nowhere to go".

The New York Times

"He's got nowhere to go.

The New York Times - Sports

"Almost nowhere to go".

The New York Times - Sports

"These people had nowhere to go".

The New York Times

"I don't have nowhere to go.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "nowhere to go" to describe a lack of options, ensure the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to a physical place, an emotional state, or a strategic decision. For example, clarify if someone has "nowhere to go" for shelter versus "nowhere to go" with their career.

Common error

Avoid using "nowhere to go" in overly complex sentences where the intended meaning might be unclear. Overly elaborate sentences can obscure the simple message of lacking alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nowhere to go" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the absence of a destination or viable option. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, highlighting its common use in expressing a lack of alternatives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nowhere to go" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to denote the absence of options, resources, or a destination. Ludwig AI confirms its linguistic validity and provides diverse examples of its usage. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, this phrase effectively conveys limitation and constraint. When employing "nowhere to go", ensure clarity by specifying whether the lack pertains to a physical place, emotional state, or strategic alternative. To enhance your writing, consider alternatives such as "no place to turn" or "at a dead end" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

no place to turn

Emphasizes a lack of available assistance or support, shifting the focus from physical location to help.

no options available

Highlights the absence of choices or alternatives, focusing on the lack of possibilities rather than location.

without a refuge

Stresses the absence of a safe or secure place, highlighting vulnerability and lack of protection.

no escape route

Suggests a confined or trapped situation, emphasizing the inability to leave a difficult circumstance.

no other recourse

Indicates the absence of alternative actions or solutions, emphasizing a forced or inevitable course.

having run out of options

Expresses the depletion of available choices or possibilities, indicating a state of limited agency.

at a dead end

Implies a situation with no further progress or advancement possible, metaphorically representing a lack of direction.

painted into a corner

Indicates being trapped by one's own actions or circumstances, limiting available choices.

no destination in mind

Focuses on the lack of a planned or intended place to go, emphasizing aimlessness or uncertainty.

without a plan

Highlights the absence of a strategy or course of action, focusing on the lack of preparation or direction.

FAQs

How can I use "nowhere to go" in a sentence?

You can use "nowhere to go" to describe a situation where someone lacks options or a destination, such as "After losing his job, he had "nowhere to go"." It can also describe an object, such as "The water has "nowhere to go", causing flooding."

What are some alternatives to saying "nowhere to go"?

Alternatives include phrases like "no place to turn", "no options available", or "at a dead end", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "nowhere to go"?

Yes, "nowhere to go" is a grammatically correct phrase. It's commonly used to express the absence of options, resources, or a physical destination. It is confirmed by Ludwig AI.

What's the difference between "nowhere to go" and "no way out"?

"Nowhere to go" typically refers to a lack of physical destinations or options, whereas "no way out" implies a more dire situation with no escape or solution to a problem. The former focuses on direction, the latter on resolution.