no

"No" is one of the most fundamental words in English. It has a small number of core uses, but they work quite differently depending on whether it acts as a response, a determiner, or an adverb. Here are the most important ones.

1interjectionrefusal or disagreement

This is the most common use of 'no' — you say it to refuse something, disagree with something, or answer a yes/no question negatively. Think of it as the opposite of 'yes'.

everyday language · Modern, universally used

Would you like more coffee? — No, thank you.

Did she pass the exam? — No, she didn't.

He asked if I wanted to join, and I said no.

2determinernot any

When 'no' comes before a noun, it means 'not a single one' or 'not any amount of something'. It tells you that something is completely absent.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

There is no milk left in the fridge.

She had no idea what was happening.

No students arrived on time today.

3adverbnot at all / not more than

You can use 'no' before a comparative adjective (like 'better', 'bigger', 'faster') to say that something does not exceed a certain level. It strengthens a comparison by making it negative.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

This road is no wider than the last one.

The second movie was no better than the first.

He arrived no later than eight o'clock.

4nouna negative answer or vote

Sometimes 'no' is used as a noun — a thing you can give, receive, or count. When someone refuses you or votes against something, that refusal itself is called 'a no'.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

She got three nos before someone finally said yes.

The committee's answer was a firm no.

Don't be afraid of hearing a no — just try again.