none/nothing of what he said

hirashin

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8 Apr 2004

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• 13 Feb 2018

• #1

Dear native English speakers,
which one would be used?
(a) Nothing of what he said was true.
(b) Nothing of what he said were true.
(c) None of what he said was true.
(d) None of what he said were true.

Thanks in advance.
Hirashin

 

diligentcircle

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21 Jun 2017

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• 13 Feb 2018

• #2

Just C. You never say "nothing of", and "none" is treated as singular.

 

J

johnnyG

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23 Dec 2010

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• 13 Feb 2018

• #3

(In this case, yes, but "nothing of" does occur in other contexts.)

 

diligentcircle

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21 Jun 2017

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• 14 Feb 2018

• #4

Ah, I see what you mean.

"Bob thinks nothing of Jane's accomplishments."

etc. Of course, that's just the two words being next to each other incidentally.

 

hirashin

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8 Apr 2004

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• 14 Feb 2018

• Thread starter
• #5

How about "Nothing he said was true"?

 

diligentcircle

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21 Jun 2017

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• 14 Feb 2018

• #6

Yep, that's good. Equivalent to:

Nothing that he said was true.

 

J

johnnyG

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• 14 Feb 2018

• #7

There's also the phrase "... to say nothing of ..."

And it makes me think of this, a rather famous line:

KING LEAR: […] what can you say to draw
A third more opulent than your sisters'? Speak.
CORDELIA: Nothing, my lord.
KING LEAR: Nothing?
CORDELIA: Nothing.
KING LEAR: Nothing will come of nothing. Speak again.
CORDELIA: Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave
My heart into my mouth. I love your Majesty
According to my bond, nor more nor less.
KING LEAR: How, how, Cordelia! Mend your speech a little,
Lest it may mar your fortunes.

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