ENGLISH
REFERENCE

nothing like

fixed phr..
C1 Advanced Oxford

fixed phr.. used to say that something is not at all similar to something else, or that one thing is much better than another.

fixed phr.. a comparative construction used to emphasize a total lack of similarity or to assert the superiority of one entity over another.


SIMPLE

This new phone is nothing like my old one.

CONTEXTUAL

The movie was okay, but it was nothing like the original book.

COMPLEX

The quiet, contemplative atmosphere of the library was nothing like the chaotic environment he had grown accustomed to at the office.

Usage

often used with 'it is' or 'there is' to create a strong contrast or recommendation.

Teaching tip

highlight the dual function: it can mean 'not similar' or it can be used for positive emphasis, such as 'there is nothing like a cold drink on a hot day'.

Pitfall

It is nothing as the original.It is nothing like the original.use 'like' to show comparison of similarity in this fixed expression, not 'as'.

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