this or nothing

USAGE SUMMARY

"this or nothing" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to express firmness of decision or preference for a specific option. Here are a few examples: - "I have to pass this exam or nothing. I cannot afford to fail." - "I want to get this promotion or nothing. I have been working hard for it." - "I will accept this offer or nothing. I am not interested in any other job." - "I will support this candidate or nothing. They align with my values and beliefs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"It isn't this or nothing," he said.

The New York Times

It is not £30-40bn on this or nothing.

The Guardian

"Frankly, it comes down to this or nothing," Dr. Friedman said, referring to the asteroid plan.

The New York Times - Science

"Any minister who goes to the Senate with a package and says 'It's either this or nothing' is essentially daring the Senate to vote down their whole package.

The Guardian

Senior members of the Downing Street team have been hosting dinners with Eurosceptic MPs in an attempt to peel them away from the bulk of the ERG when the Chequers deal eventually comes to a vote, warning them that it is "this or nothing".

The Guardian

It's this or nothing".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

This all-or-nothing argument is wrong.

The New York Times

Notice if this "all-or-nothing" mentality with your compassion practice is hindering you and see if you can test the "something is better than nothing" theory.

University of California, Berkeley

This all-or-nothing approach, she argued, is unfair to patent owners, who should be able to extract value from downstream markets that unfettered resale captures instead.

Harvard University

Yet, I must confess that I have trouble accepting this all-or-nothing mission to pry white chefs' fingers from any dish not of their own culture.

The Washington Post

This all-or-nothing approach, on the part of both hitters and pitchers, could help explain why not just home runs are up, but strikeouts as well.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this or nothing" to clearly communicate a firm stance or a lack of compromise, especially in negotiations or decision-making processes. For example, in project planning, the phrase can be effective when explaining the necessity of a specific action or resource.

Common error

Avoid using "this or nothing" repeatedly in a single conversation or document. Overuse can make you sound inflexible and may alienate others. Instead, use it strategically to emphasize key points.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this or nothing" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate that there are no alternative options or compromises available. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase underscores the exclusivity and finality of a given choice or condition.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

21%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "this or nothing" serves as an idiomatic expression indicating a firm stance and a lack of compromise. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and conveys a sense of ultimatum. While commonly used in news, media, and academic contexts, it is essential to consider the tone and audience. Alternatives like "take it or leave it" or "the only option" can offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality. In conclusion, "this or nothing" is a valuable tool for expressing decisiveness, but its usage should be strategic to avoid sounding inflexible.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

either this way or no way

Emphasizes the exclusivity and lack of alternatives.

take it or leave it

Emphasizes the lack of negotiation and finality of an offer.

it's this deal or no deal

Highlights a specific agreement and the exclusivity of that one choice.

all or nothing

Highlights a situation where success requires complete commitment or acceptance.

the only option

Focuses on the absence of other choices.

no other alternative

Formally states that there are no other possibilities.

non-negotiable

Stresses that the terms are fixed and cannot be changed.

final offer

Indicates the last and unchangeable proposal.

Hobson's choice

Suggests a choice that appears to be free but offers only one real option.

my way or the highway

Conveys a dictatorial approach with no room for compromise.

FAQs

How can I use "this or nothing" in a sentence?

The phrase "this or nothing" is used to express that there are no other options or alternatives. For example, "The company's offer is "this or nothing"; they will not negotiate further."

What does "this or nothing" mean?

The expression "this or nothing" means that a particular offer, choice, or condition is the only one available, and there's no room for compromise or other options. It indicates a finality or ultimatum.

What can I say instead of "this or nothing"?

Alternatives to "this or nothing" include phrases like "take it or leave it", "the only option", or "no other alternative". Each carries a similar sense of finality.

Is "this or nothing" a formal expression?

While the phrase "this or nothing" is widely understood, it is generally considered informal. In more formal contexts, using alternatives like "non-negotiable" or "the only option" can provide a more professional tone.