say nothing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "say nothing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to indicate that someone should remain silent. For example, "The judge warned the witness to say nothing during the trial."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But I say nothing.

The New Yorker

Don't say nothing".

The New Yorker

So say nothing.

Independent

To say nothing?

The New Yorker

Or just say nothing?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I say nothing.

The New Yorker

I would say nothing".

The New Yorker

I can't say nothing.

The New York Times - Sports

To say nothing of ingenuity.

The New York Times

And I will say nothing".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

I said, "Nothing"; Adira said, "Nothing".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "say nothing" to indicate a deliberate choice to remain silent, whether to avoid conflict, protect information, or express disapproval.

Common error

Ensure the context makes it clear who is expected to "say nothing". Ambiguity can arise if the subject of the phrase isn't explicitly stated or easily inferred.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "say nothing" is as an imperative phrase or a declarative statement indicating silence. Ludwig's examples show its use in both direct commands ("") and descriptions of situations where someone remains quiet.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "say nothing" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to indicate silence or a lack of communication. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, supported by numerous examples across diverse sources. Its function ranges from imperative instructions to declarative statements, serving various communicative purposes depending on the context. While broadly neutral, it appears frequently in News & Media and Scientific contexts, suggesting its applicability in both formal and informal settings. When considering alternatives, it's important to balance the similarity of silence with the specific intent such as "remain silent" or "decline to comment".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Stay quiet

A simple and direct instruction to be silent.

Keep silent

Like "remain silent", emphasizing the continuation of silence.

Remain silent

Emphasizes the act of keeping quiet, often intentionally.

Keep mum

An informal way to express keeping a secret or staying quiet.

Say not a word

Similar to "utter not a word", but slightly less dramatic.

Utter not a word

A more emphatic and dramatic way of saying to say nothing.

Decline to comment

Often used in formal or professional contexts when refusing to provide information.

Hold one's tongue

Refers to restraining oneself from speaking, often to avoid conflict.

Give no response

Focuses on the absence of a reaction or answer.

Not breathe a word

Implies secrecy and discretion.

FAQs

How can I use "say nothing" in a sentence?

You can use "say nothing" to indicate a deliberate choice to remain silent. For example, "When asked about the scandal, the CEO chose to "say nothing"".

What is a more formal way to express "say nothing"?

In formal situations, you could "decline to comment" or "remain silent". These phrases are often used in professional settings or when addressing sensitive topics.

What does it mean when someone chooses to "say nothing"?

When someone chooses to "say nothing", it can imply various things, such as disagreement, unwillingness to share information, or a strategic decision to avoid making a statement.

Is it ever better to "say nothing" than to speak?

Yes, there are situations where it's better to "say nothing". For instance, when you lack sufficient information, when speaking could harm others, or when trying to de-escalate a conflict.