Page 385 - Practical English Usage 3ed - Michael Swan, Oxford

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nobody etc
Nobody, nothing, no one and nowhere are used in similar ways to no. 1 saw nobody. (More emphatic than 1 didn't see anybody.)
Nobody spoke. (NOT N6t tlnyb6tly $p6ke.)
For no and not, see 382. For more about any, see 55.
For none and no one, see 380. For no as a modifying adverb (e.g. no better), see 57.
no doubt
No doubt means 'probably' or 'I suppose', not 'certainly'. No doubt it'll rain soon.
You're tired, no doubt. I'll make you a cup oftea.
To say that something is certain, we can use there is no doubt that (formal), without any doubt (formal), certainly, definitely.
There is no doubt that the world is getting warmer. (NOT 1\'6 tltHlbt the ft}61"ltl is getting ft/tlfflter.)
Cycling is certainly healthier than driving. (NOT N6 tltntbt cycling is healthier them tb:iving.)
Doubtless is similar to no doubt (but more formal); undoubtedly is similar to there is no doubt that.
For s!rUcrures with the verb doubt, see 163.
no matter conjunction
No matter can be used with who, whose, what, which, where, when and how. These expressions are conjunctions, used to join clauses together. The meaning is similar to 'it is not important who!what etc'.
I'll love you no matter what you do.
No matter where you go, I'll follow you.
We use a present tense with a future meaning after no matter (see 580).
No matter where you go, you'll find Coca-Cola. You'll be welcome no matter when you come.
no matter who etc and whoever etc
The conjunctions no matter who! what etc are used rather like whoever, whatever etc (see 625). Compare:
- No matter what you say, 1 won't believe you. Whatever you say, 1 won't believe you.
- Phone me when you arrive, no matter how late it is. Phone me when you arrive, however late it is.
However, clauses with whoever! whateverl whichever can be used as subjects or objects. Clauses with no matter who etc cannot be used in this way.
Whateveryoudoisfinewithme.(8UTNOT No(}",{tHerwhtttyeftti8isfine with nJe.)
You can have whichever you like. (BUT NOT l'8ft ettn Mile n6 17'ltttter ftJhieh
2
yeft like.)
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no matter 378
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