What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
none
Example
There was none left in the fridge. [none: pronoun]
Example
None of the students knew the answer. [none: determiner]
nothing
Example
There is nothing to worry about. [nothing: pronoun]
Example
I did nothing all day. [nothing: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nothing is more commonly used than none in everyday language. Nothing is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while none is less common and has a more limited usage.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between none and nothing?
None is considered more formal than nothing. It is often used in academic or professional settings, while nothing is more casual and can be used in everyday conversation.