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Nothing

indefinite pronounsnegative pro-formsnonothing

'Nothing' has many functions such as being an adverb. In this lesson, we will discover all about its functions, rules, and uses.

Nothing is used in many contexts. Here, we will learn all of its uses with their position in a sentence.

Functions of 'Nothing'

  1. Indefinite Pronoun
  2. Adverb
  3. Noun
  4. Adjective

1. 'Nothing' as an Indefinite Pronoun

Use

Nothing as an indefinite pronoun is used to replace a noun it refers to. It can act as a subject or an object. Nothing as a pronoun is used to indicate 'not a thing.' It shows the absence of a thing and must be used in positive sentences. For example:

I have nothing in my bag.

Nothing is working here.

Position in a Sentence

Nothing as an indefinite pronoun is used to act as a subject or an object. If it is the subject, the verb must be singular. In addition. 'Nothing' is a negative indefinite pronoun that requires an affirmative sentence. Look:

Nothing is working here.

The verb is singular and positive.

I have nothing in my bag.

'Nothing' is the object.

2. 'Nothing' as an Adverb

Use

Nothing as an adverb is used to describe the verb and add meaning to it. It either has a similar meaning to 'not at all' or indicates 'an empty space.' Look:

  • Nothing as an adverb means 'not at all.'

I care nothing for him.

She is nothing like her brother.

She is not at all like her brother.

  • Nothing as an adverb can show 'an empty space.'

They disappeared into nothing.

Position in a Sentence

Nothing as an adverb is used after verbs to add more meanings to them. It can be used in two cases. Look:

She is nothing like her brother.

'Nothing' modifies the verb.

I care nothing.

3. 'Nothing' as a Noun

Use

Nothing mainly as an uncountable noun is used to indicate an empty space, the number 0, or something or someone with little worth, importance. Take a look:

  • in an empty space

In this nothing, people can do what they want.

  • the number 0, in the US English

This number is 2 to nothing.

  • someone/something with little or no worth or importance

I loved her when she was a nothing.

'Nothing' means 'nobody.'

Position in a Sentence

Nothing as a noun is used to act as a subject, object, subject complement, etc. Look:

He is a nothing.

In this nothing, people can do what they want.

4. 'Nothing' as an Adjective

Use

Nothing as an adjective usually heads a noun to describe it more and it means 'having no value, unimportant.' For example:

I have nothing jobs.

She is a nothing girl.

He is nothing.

subject complement

Position in a Sentence

Nothing as an adjective is mainly used before nouns to describe them. For example:

I have nothing jobs.

'Nothing' is before 'jobs.'

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