at no time

IPA/at nˈəʊ tˈaɪm/
IPA/æt nˈoʊ tˈaɪm/

at no time — idiom

1. used to say strongly that something did not happen or was not true during any pa

1.慣用語B2
釋義

used to say strongly that something did not happen or was not true during any part of a period; a forceful way of saying 'never'.

例句

At no time did Manuela promise to pay for the broken window.

at no time + did + subject (fronted inversion)

The coach insisted that at no time during the match were his players unfair.

at no time during + fronted inversion (were his players)

同義詞
  • never

    plainer and far more common; 'at no time' is more emphatic and formal

  • at no point

    near-identical meaning; often preferred for a moment within a clear time span

反義詞
  • always

    states that something was true throughout, the opposite of denying it ever happened

文法句型

at no time + auxiliary + subject + verb

用法筆記

Frequently fronted at the start of a sentence for emphasis, which forces subject-verb inversion: the auxiliary comes before the subject ('At no time did she...'), never 'At no time she did...'. Common in formal speech, statements, and legal or official denials.

常見錯誤

At no time he agreed to the deal.
At no time did he agree to the deal.
💡when 'at no time' starts the sentence, the auxiliary must come before the subject.