Cool MateNor the touch of grass vs Not at all
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Nor the touch of grass
Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Not at all
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Not at all
| Nor the touch of grass | Not at all | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //nɔː ðə tʌtʃ əv ɡrɑːs//🇺🇸 //nɔr ðə tʌtʃ əv ɡræs// | 🇬🇧 //nɒt æt ɔːl//🇺🇸 //nɑt æt ɔl// |
| Meaning | A phrase that means not even the feeling of grass. | not even a little bit |
| Example | He felt isolated, nor the touch of grass reminded him of his childhood. | I didn't like the movie, not at all. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | nor the sight, nor the sound, nor the smell | not at all worried, not at all surprising, not at all offended |
| Antonyms | - | at all, somewhat, partially |
| Common mistakes | Misunderstanding the poetic nature; it’s not a literal phrase., Using it in a non-literary context may confuse listeners. | Confusing with 'not really' which is less absolute., Using it in formal contexts where a less emphatic phrase is better., Omitting it when it's necessary for clarity. |
| Usage notes | This phrase is poetic and may be used in literary contexts, often to express absence or longing. Not common in everyday speech. | Use 'not at all' to emphasize complete disagreement or absence. It's appropriate in both spoken and written contexts but less common in formal writing. |
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Frequently asked questions: Nor the touch of grass vs Not at all
What's the difference between Nor the touch of grass and Not at all?
Nor the touch of grass: A phrase that means not even the feeling of grass. Not at all: not even a little bit
Which is more common: Nor the touch of grass and Not at all?
Not at all is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Nor the touch of grass: He felt isolated, nor the touch of grass reminded him of his childhood. Not at all: I didn't like the movie, not at all.
Can I use Nor the touch of grass and Not at all interchangeably?
Not always. Nor the touch of grass and Not at all 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.