not at all
fixed phr..fixed phr.. You use this to make a 'no' stronger, or to reply politely when someone thanks you. It can mean 'absolutely no' or 'it was no trouble'.
fixed phr.. An emphatic negator used to strongly deny something or to express disagreement. It also functions as a polite, formulaic response to an expression of gratitude.
"Are you cold?" "No, not at all."
"Thank you so much for helping me move." "Not at all, I was happy to help."
The witness claimed he was not at all surprised by the verdict, having anticipated it for weeks.
This phrase can stand alone as a reply or be used within a sentence to emphasize a negative.
Clarify its two main uses: as a strong 'no' and as a polite alternative to 'you're welcome', as learners may confuse them.
"What are you doing?" "Not at all.""What are you doing?" "Nothing."'Not at all' is a response to a yes/no question or to thanks; it does not mean 'nothing'.