Cool MateNot a goddamn thing vs Nothing
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Not a goddamn thing
InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Nothing
Top 1,000 (very common)A1pronoun
Most formal: NothingMost common: Nothing
| Not a goddamn thing | Nothing | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //nɒt ə ˈɡɒd.dæm θɪŋ//🇺🇸 //nɑt ə ˈɡɑː.dæm θɪŋ// | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈnʌθɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈnʌθɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | Not a single thing; nothing at all. | Not anything; no single thing. |
| Example | I searched the entire house, but I found not a goddamn thing. | I have nothing to say about the matter. |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | A1 |
| Part of speech | pronoun | |
| Collocations | not a damn thing, not a single thing, not a thing, do not a goddamn thing, find not a goddamn thing | nothing to worry about, nothing more, nothing new |
| Antonyms | - | something, everything |
| Common mistakes | Using in formal writing or speech., Confusing with similar phrases like 'not a thing'., Omitting 'goddamn' and just saying 'not a thing'. | Confused with 'anything' in negative sentences., Used with a plural verb (e.g., 'nothing are')., Incorrectly used in affirmative sentences (e.g., 'I have nothing to do'). |
| Usage notes | Used informally to emphasize that there is absolutely nothing. Often carries a strong emotional tone, including frustration or anger. Not suitable for formal contexts. | Used commonly in both spoken and written English. Can express absence or lack. Avoid using in formal contexts where more specific words may be required. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Not a goddamn thing vs Nothing
What's the difference between Not a goddamn thing and Nothing?
Not a goddamn thing: Not a single thing; nothing at all. Nothing: Not anything; no single thing.
Which is more formal: Not a goddamn thing and Nothing?
Nothing is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Not a goddamn thing and Nothing?
Nothing is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Not a goddamn thing: I searched the entire house, but I found not a goddamn thing. Nothing: I have nothing to say about the matter.
Can I use Not a goddamn thing and Nothing interchangeably?
Not always. Not a goddamn thing and Nothing are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.