What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nobody
Example
Nobody knows the answer to that question. [nobody: pronoun]
Example
He left the party early, and nobody saw him leave. [nobody: noun]
nothing
Example
There is nothing in the fridge to eat. [nothing: pronoun]
Example
The movie was boring, and nothing happened. [nothing: pronoun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nothing is more commonly used than nobody in everyday language. Nothing is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while nobody is less common and refers to a specific absence or lack of a person.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between nobody and nothing?
Both nobody and nothing are informal words that are commonly used in everyday language. However, nobody may be considered slightly more formal than nothing due to its use in more specific contexts such as formal writing or speeches.
