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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 • 10218 views

didn't say a thing

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

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

didn't say anything

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

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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