I know close to nothing vs I know next to nothing

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. 'I know close to nothing' implies that the person knows very little about a specific topic, while 'I know next to nothing' means the person knows almost nothing at all. They are comparable in the sense that they convey a similar idea of having very little knowledge, but the choice between them depends on the degree of knowledge the speaker wants to express.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 5450 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express that someone knows very little about a specific topic.

"I know close to nothing"

This phrase is used to convey the idea that the speaker has minimal knowledge about a particular subject.

Show examples from the web [+]

He knows close to nothing about this issue.
You know, I know of nothing else in medicine that can come close to what a plant-based diet can do.
Flummoxed by a foreign concept that resembles close to nothing of what you know?
I guess he feels - I don't know - close to me.
First they tell me you almost died, and then I come here and find you in the arms of some woman not even close to half your age that I know nothing about.
Focus, kids. 24 hours in, we still got close to nothing.
I know you've cleared everyone, especially those close to us.
I know. It's too close to call.
I know you were close to your Uncle.
I know he murdered someone very close to you.
I know how close to Rosie you are.
I know you were very close to Representative Kwon.
I know it's silly getting Stella a present... so close to her birthday.
I know you were close to Mr Dominic.
I am only choosing Italy because I know it will be close to the President-in-Office of the Council.
I know that this is a project which is close to the Commissioner's heart.
I know that these principles are close to the heart of this Parliament.
I know next to nothing about him.
I know next to nothing about you.
- I know you only hung out with me to get close to Liz and when she knocked you back, I was there to pick up the pieces.

Alternatives:

I know very little
I know almost nothing

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to express that someone knows almost nothing at all.

"I know next to nothing"

This phrase is used to emphasize that the speaker has extremely limited knowledge about a topic.

Show examples from the web [+]

I know next to nothing about you.
We've spent the day together, but I know next to nothing about you.
I know next to nothing about him.
Turns out, I know next to nothing about Mycroft Holmes.
I know next to nothing about your so-called parents or the man who wants to kill them!

Alternatives:

I know almost nothing
I know very little

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I know close to nothing vs I know next to nothing