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didn't say a thing vs didn't say anything

The phrases are both acceptable, but they would be used in dissimilar contexts. 'Didn't say a thing' is used when emphasizing the absence of any information or response, while 'didn't say anything' is a more common and general way to express that no words were spoken.
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Explained by Gregg
Editor at TextRanch

Last updated: December 06, 2024 • 10621 views

This phrase is correct and is used to emphasize the absence of any information or response.

"didn't say a thing"

This phrase is used when highlighting that no information or response was provided in a situation. It adds emphasis to the silence or lack of communication.

Examples:

  • He asked her about the incident, but she didn't say a thing.
  • Despite the accusations, he didn't say a thing in his defense.
  • Feb 25, 2021 ... My two favorites from NFR and I never noticed the lyric connection until this morning :0 "I wanted to call you, but I didn't say a thing"…
  • Feb 17, 2020 ... ... didn't say a thing basically means not a word came out of his mouth ... means hesitating because .. means silence or awkwardness and asking a ...
  • Apr 1, 2024 ... Owner was very rude and didn't say a thing. What is it? IN THE WILD.
  • Sep 12, 2018 ... ... he didn't say a thing? All related (44). Recommended. Profile photo for Assistant. Assistant. Bot. ·. Aug 16. Upvote ·.
  • Mar 25, 2024 ... However, I was cited for saying a thing that I didn't say – a thing that I would never ever say. It was a thing that I have railed against ...
  • Oct 5, 2016 ... As I heard the words that told me Lach was in trouble, I didn't say a thing to the student, but my body reacted. My heart was racing, my ...
  • Feb 21, 2020 ... Can you imagine both of them didn't say a thing until l did.. That's Plot Mhako and Jah Prayzah b4 they contacted me.
  • High quality example sentences with “didn't say a thing” in context from reliable sources - Ludwig: your English writing platform.
  • Sep 30, 2024 ... I mean, I get pregnancy cravings. But we talked about this restaurant and menu days ago, and she didn't say a thing. I just said, “I've been ...

Alternatives:

  • remained silent
  • didn't utter a word
  • kept mum
  • didn't speak up
  • stayed quiet

This phrase is correct and is a common way to express that no words were spoken.

"didn't say anything"

This phrase is a more general way to convey that no words were spoken in a situation. It is commonly used in everyday conversations.

Examples:

  • She called out to him, but he didn't say anything.
  • I waited for a response, but he didn't say anything.
  • Mar 9, 2018 ... I didn't say anything!" is one of my favourite Obi-Wan lines, it's unironically funny, especially his delivery.
  • Jan 23, 2023 ... He didn't say anything as he died. Or, if you want to make it sound more 'flowery': His dying words remained unspoken.
  • Dec 14, 2021 ... But other than these reasons do you know why in the current game Jane didn't say anything. Is there a reason or telltale just got lazy to ...
  • Dec 14, 2023 ... But I didn't say anything, and I'm annoyed and disappointed in myself!” I totally get it; I've been there too. Why don't we speak up when ...
  • Mar 23, 2021 ... Try again. Open in App. Sign In. Why is it that my ex didn't say anything even after I broke up with him? All related (61). Recommended.
  • Nov 22, 2006 ... Hi teachers, I was told that “I didn't say anything” has the same meaning as “I didn't say nothing” What do you think? Jupiter.
  • Jun 24, 2020 ... “A List of Times I Didn't Say Anything” ... When our white neighbor tells us my black husband looks like Barack Obama. Over and over again. She is ...
  • Jul 14, 2006 ... Why I Didn't Say Anything: The Sheldon Kennedy Story. Knowledge bank: Laura Robinson wrote Crossing the Line: Violence and Sexual Assault in ...
  • Aug 24, 2024 ... Hansi Flick: “I didn't say anything specific to Nico after the game… just congratulations for the Euros!”.
  • Jan 10, 2021 ... Hi I'm 8 weeks pregnant and today was my first ultrasound. My technician kept quiet all the time. She didn't say anything about ultrasound ...

Alternatives:

  • remained silent
  • didn't speak
  • kept quiet
  • stayed mum
  • didn't respond

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