What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nought
Example
The answer to the equation is nought. [nought: noun]
Example
All his efforts came to nought. [nought: pronoun]
nothing
Example
There is nothing in the fridge. [nothing: pronoun]
Example
The meeting was about nothing important. [nothing: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Nothing is more commonly used than nought in everyday language. Nothing is a more modern and commonly used term that can be used in various contexts, while nought is an older term that is less commonly used outside of technical or mathematical contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between nought and nothing?
Both nought and nothing can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, nought may sound more formal or archaic due to its older form and technical usage.
