says nothing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "says nothing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that was said or a response that was given, which contained no useful information. For example, "When I asked her what she thought about the new policy, she just shrugged and said nothing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It says nothing.

The New York Times

Now she says nothing.

The New York Times

Sampath says nothing.

The New Yorker

She says: Nothing yet.

The Guardian

Mitz says nothing.

The New Yorker

He says nothing.

The New Yorker

He says: Nothing yet.

The Guardian

But he says nothing.

The New Yorker

The boy says nothing.

The New Yorker

She says nothing.

The New York Times

Elvis says nothing, only smiles.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "says nothing" to indicate a deliberate choice not to speak, a lack of information, or a refusal to comment. Consider the context to choose a synonym if a more nuanced meaning is desired.

Common error

Avoid using "says nothing" when the intended meaning is simply a lack of audible speech. It often implies a deliberate withholding of information or an inability to provide an answer, rather than just silence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "says nothing" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating a lack of verbal communication or a deliberate choice to remain silent. Ludwig shows examples where it describes a character's reaction or a statement's absence of content.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "says nothing" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a lack of verbal communication or a deliberate choice to remain silent. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, to describe reactions, absences of information, or refusals to comment. While it's generally neutral in tone, the context can influence its specific implication. For more nuanced expressions, consider synonyms such as ""remains silent"" or "offers no comment", but avoid using "says nothing" when simply describing an absence of audible speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doesn't speak

A simple and direct way of stating that someone is not talking.

says not a word

Highlights that no single word was said.

remains silent

Emphasizes the act of staying quiet, possibly indicating a deliberate choice not to speak.

gives no response

Focuses on the absence of any reaction or reply, whether verbal or non-verbal.

offers no comment

Suggests a refusal to provide information or an opinion on a specific matter, often used in formal or professional settings.

declines to comment

A formal way to refuse to give an opinion or information.

makes no statement

Indicates a lack of official or formal communication, often used in journalistic or legal contexts.

utters not a word

Highlights the complete absence of any spoken communication, adding a touch of drama or emphasis.

is unresponsive

Implies a lack of reaction or communication, possibly due to a physical or emotional state.

keeps mum

An informal way of saying someone is deliberately staying quiet about something.

FAQs

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

You can use "says nothing" to indicate a lack of verbal response. For example, "When asked about the incident, he "remains silent" and says nothing."

What can I say instead of "says nothing"?

Alternatives include "offers no comment", "utters not a word", or "doesn't speak" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "says nothing" or "doesn't say anything"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "says nothing" is often used for emphasis or in narrative contexts, while "doesn't say anything" is a more general statement.

What's the difference between "says nothing" and "implies nothing"?

"Says nothing" indicates a lack of verbal communication, while "implies nothing" means that no indirect message or suggestion is being conveyed.