none/nothing of what he said

[hirashin]

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]

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

 

[johnnyG]

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

 

[diligentcircle]

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]

How about "Nothing he said was true"?

 

[diligentcircle]

Yep, that's good. Equivalent to:

Nothing that he said was true.

 

[johnnyG]

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.