to create something from nothing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to create something from nothing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing innovation, creativity, or the process of bringing ideas into existence without prior resources or materials. Example: "The artist's ability to create something from nothing is truly inspiring, as she transforms blank canvases into breathtaking masterpieces."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

She liked the idea of "figuring out how to create something from nothing".

The Guardian

Renewal becomes heady: in WriteRoom's gloom is man's power to create something from nothing, to wrest form from formlessness.

The New York Times - Magazine

Or maybe he will tell a bipartisan commission to devise a plan, and then blame the Democrats for the commission's inability to find a way to create something from nothing.

The New York Times

The magic of crosswords comes from finding new ways of looking at very old words: if you take this on as your job, your task is, through perspiration as well as inspiration, to create something from nothing.

The Guardian

His genius lies in his three unrivalled skills: the ability to create something from nothing off either foot, his supreme, deadly finishing – which has brought him 306 Serie A goals – and his confidence (who can forget his Panenka against Holland at Euro 2000).

The Guardian - Sport

This is a back-line that has "x-factor" and the ability to create something from nothing but there is a bit of inexperience here too.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Although the UK has become a more homogenous place in recent years, its ability to unexpectedly create something from nothing remains intact.

Vice

In a typical improv performance, the ensemble must work together to take audience suggestions and create something from nothing, always trusting that their team members will "have their back". How do they do that without creating chaos and everyone pushing for their own agenda?

Forbes

Starting a business from scratch is a challenge that tests your discipline, fortitude, and persistence -- but it is the only way I know to prove that you can create something from nothing and be successful.

Huffington Post

--At thExpoY Expo, budding entrepreneurs will be able to network with members of various "hackerspace" groups, such as the Baltimore Node, Unallocated Space and HacDC, who work collaboratively to network, socialize and develop technical solutions and new innovative products in their spare time, simply because they love to tinker with new ideas, create something from nothing, and solve problems!

Huffington Post

These women create something from nothing: Many have no capital to begin with, and the money they do earn is more easily spent on short-term essentials like food and shoes.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "to create something from nothing", ensure the context clearly highlights the lack of initial resources or the innovative nature of the creation. It is effective for emphasizing ingenuity and resourcefulness.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "to create something from nothing" when the situation involves repurposing or adapting existing resources rather than true innovation. Overusing this phrase in such scenarios diminishes its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to create something from nothing" functions as an infinitive phrase often used to express purpose or describe an ability. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

15%

HuffPost

10%

Less common in

The Guardian

8%

The New York Times

7%

Forbes

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to create something from nothing" is a versatile expression used to describe the act of generating value or innovation in the absence of pre-existing resources. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it's frequently employed in news, media, and entrepreneurial discussions to emphasize ingenuity and resourcefulness. While applicable across registers, overuse in hyperbolic situations should be avoided to maintain clarity and impact. Alternatives include phrases like "to build from scratch" or "to conjure from thin air" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to originate from nothing

Highlights the starting point of creation, underscoring the absence of initial resources.

to develop from zero

Emphasizes the process of growth and evolution from a non-existent state.

to build from scratch

Focuses on the act of constructing something entirely new, implying a lack of pre-existing components.

to invent from the ground up

Stresses the comprehensive and fundamental nature of the creation process.

to conjure from thin air

Suggests an almost magical creation, emphasizing the seeming impossibility of the act.

to materialize out of nowhere

Implies a sudden and unexpected appearance, emphasizing the lack of apparent origin.

to fashion from emptiness

Highlights the transformation of a void into something tangible and meaningful.

to produce ex nihilo

Uses a Latin term to denote creation out of nothing, often used in philosophical or theological contexts.

to give rise where nothing existed

Focuses on the generative aspect, emphasizing the emergence of something new.

to bootstrap a project

Implies starting a project with minimal resources, relying on self-funding and resourcefulness.

FAQs

How can I use "to create something from nothing" in a sentence?

You can use "to create something from nothing" to describe innovative or resourceful actions, such as "The entrepreneur's ability "to create something from nothing" allowed them to build a successful company with minimal initial investment".

What are some alternatives to "to create something from nothing"?

Alternatives include "to build from scratch", "to conjure from thin air", or "to develop from zero" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always positive to "create something from nothing"?

While often positive, implying innovation and resourcefulness, the phrase "to create something from nothing" can also be used critically if the creation is unsustainable, unethical, or comes at the expense of others. It depends on the context.

What is the difference between "to create something from nothing" and "to improve something that exists"?

"To create something from nothing" implies originating something entirely new, while "to improve something that exists" involves enhancing or modifying a pre-existing entity. The former emphasizes innovation, the latter refinement.