pretty much none

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pretty much none" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that there is almost no quantity or amount of something. Example: "When it comes to the available options, there are pretty much none that meet our criteria."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

The fact that Labour attracted pretty much none of these lost votes doesn't say much about their prospects, either.

The Guardian

Like, pretty much none of our guests have ever been towed, which is good because the ticket is like $200.

The New York Times

I grant you that pretty much none of the research I'm citing above contains randomized controlled trials.

The New York Times

If you are switching careers and have completed pretty much none of the prerequisites, then I would advise completion of a post-baccalaureate program, as it will be easier than fighting with undergraduates to get into lectures and labs.

University of California, Berkeley

I really don't think the National Restaurant Association is going to be able to hold onto their stance, which is supported by pretty much none of the data we have available.

The Washington Post

"... and whether I'm sitting here looking at words on the screen or the wallpaper display, it doesn't make any difference to the amount of potential interference it could cause – which is pretty much none".

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Because I was pretty much unknown, none of the Poms had any intelligence on me, which worked in my favour.

The Guardian - Sport

With Chris Christie having taken himself out of the running -- again -- earlier this month, the field of candidates now appears to be pretty much set, and none of them are likely to inspire any reimaginings of Mount Rushmore.

The New York Times

The chances of finding a killer are pretty much slim to none".

Huffington Post

But I can pretty much guarantee that none of that had any effect.

Huffington Post

I'm 33 years old, and the odds of me starting my own family are pretty much slim to none.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pretty much none", ensure the context clearly indicates a near-zero quantity or absence, avoiding ambiguity. For emphasis, consider pairing it with specific examples to highlight the lack.

Common error

Avoid using "pretty much none" when there is a measurable, even if small, quantity. Overstating the absence can weaken your argument. Instead, use more precise quantifiers like "very few" or "a small number".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pretty much none" functions as a quantifier, specifically indicating a near-zero quantity or absence of something. As Ludwig AI explains, it is usable in written English to indicate that there is almost no quantity or amount of something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pretty much none" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a near absence of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While versatile, it leans towards a neutral to slightly informal register and finds frequent use in news, media, and academic contexts. For more formal settings, alternatives such as "virtually none" or "almost none" may be more appropriate. Remember to use "pretty much none" when emphasizing a lack, and consider providing specific examples to reinforce the absence for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

virtually none

Emphasizes the state of being almost nonexistent.

almost none

Indicates a quantity that is very close to zero.

practically none

Highlights that the quantity is so small it's effectively zero.

hardly any

Suggests a very small amount that is barely present.

scarcely any

Indicates that the quantity is rare and minimal.

next to nothing

Emphasizes the insignificance of the amount.

almost nothing

Highlights the near absence of something.

a negligible amount

Focuses on the amount being so small it's not worth considering.

very little

Implies that the quantity is minimal.

effectively zero

States that something is so close to zero that it can be considered as such.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "pretty much none" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could use alternatives such as "virtually none", "almost none", or "negligible depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "pretty much none" in academic writing?

While "pretty much none" is generally understood, it may be considered too informal for strict academic writing. Consider using more precise and formal alternatives like "scarcely any" or "a negligible amount" in academic contexts.

What's the difference between "pretty much none" and "none at all"?

"Pretty much none" implies a quantity very close to zero, while "none at all" suggests a complete absence. The former allows for a tiny possibility of something existing, whereas the latter denies any presence whatsoever.

Can I use "pretty much none" when referring to uncountable nouns?

Yes, "pretty much none" can be used with uncountable nouns. For instance, "There was "almost no water" left" is similar in meaning to "There was pretty much none left".