writing nothing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "writing nothing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of producing no content or failing to create any written material. Example: "After hours of brainstorming, I found myself writing nothing that made sense."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Because you're writing nothing down, it may seem as though you're not writing at all.

The New York Times

"I am writing nothing and can write nothing," he said, while accepting the Shakespeare Prize, in 1970.

The New Yorker

Then I sat in the room every evening staring at the wall, writing nothing.

The Guardian - Books

By Andy Borowitz July 12 , 2012After eleven years of writing nothing but fake news at the Borowitz Report, I have to tell you something that actually happened.

The New Yorker

I also loved the underlying story of Cassandra's father, a novelist who wrote one renowned book then, after a short spell in prison, became strangely reserved, writing nothing at all.

The Guardian

And, in a brazen instance of biting the hand that feeds him, "The New Yorker knows nothing about writing, nothing".(The magazine has serialized several of his books, including Half a Life and The Enigma of Arrival).

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

They write nothing down.

The New York Times

Like Socrates, Arcesilaus wrote nothing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She wrote nothing after 1935.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He wrote nothing in France.

The New York Times - Books

Remember, Socrates himself wrote nothing.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "writing nothing" to explicitly state the absence of written output, especially when contrasting it with expectations or past behavior.

Common error

Avoid using "writing nothing" in highly formal documents where more precise or technical language might be expected. Consider alternatives like "producing no written documentation" or "generating no content" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "writing nothing" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the activity of not producing any written content. Ludwig shows that the phrase is used to express a state of inactivity in writing.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "writing nothing" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the act of not producing any written material. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase commonly appears in News & Media and Science contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and choose more formal alternatives for professional settings. By being aware of its common usage and potential for misinterpretation, you can effectively use "writing nothing" in your writing. It is generally understood and accepted, it is important to use it accurately to convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not writing anything

Changes the word order and introduces "anything" for emphasis.

unable to write

Focuses on the inability to perform the act of writing.

producing no written work

Replaces "writing" with "producing written work" for a more formal tone.

not composing anything

Replaces "writing" with "composing" for a more artistic nuance.

failing to produce written material

Emphasizes the failure to create any written output.

creating no content

Shifts focus to "content" as the product of writing, broadening the context.

generating no text

Uses more technical terms "generating" and "text".

not putting pen to paper

Uses a metaphorical expression for the act of writing.

utterly unproductive in writing

Highlights the lack of productivity in writing.

experiencing writer's block

Indicates a condition that prevents writing.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "writing nothing" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "producing no written content", "generating no written material", or "creating no documentation". These alternatives offer a more professional and precise way to express the absence of written output.

What does it mean when someone says they are "writing nothing"?

When someone says they are "writing nothing", it typically means they are not creating any written content. This could be due to writer's block, lack of inspiration, or simply not having the need to write at that moment.

Is it grammatically correct to say "writing nothing"?

Yes, "writing nothing" is grammatically correct. It functions as a gerund phrase, describing the act of not producing any written material, as shown by Ludwig.

What are some other ways to describe a period of not writing?

Besides "writing nothing", you could say you are experiencing "writer's block", are "unable to write", or are simply "not putting pen to paper". The best choice depends on the specific reason for the lack of writing.