there is nothing

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   used to say that something does not exist or is not present

   Grammar: Often followed by a singular noun or a clause with 'that'. The verb 'is' can change to 'was' for past time.

   Patterns

   • there is nothing in something
   • there is nothing like something
   • there is nothing to do
   • there is nothing that someone can do

   There is nothing in the fridge for dinner.

   There is nothing like a hot bath after a long day.

   There is nothing to worry about.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   used to say that something is impossible or cannot be done

   Grammar: Often followed by 'can' + verb or 'that' + clause to express impossibility.

   Patterns

   • there is nothing someone can do
   • there is nothing to be done
   • there is nothing more someone can do

   There is nothing we can do to change the past.

   There is nothing more I can say.

   There is nothing to be gained by arguing.

Common combinations

there is nothing like

There is nothing like a good cup of tea in the morning.

there is nothing to do

The kids were bored because there was nothing to do.

there is nothing wrong with

There is nothing wrong with asking for help.

there is nothing left

After the party, there was nothing left to eat.

Synonyms and how they differ

there is not anything

More formal and less common; 'there is nothing' is the standard everyday phrase.

Opposites

Commonly confused: there is nothing or there is no?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “there is nothing”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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