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Mythical Lady Posted 20 years ago
Linguistics Studies

The use of by no means

Hi there,

I'm a little confused how to use the following phrases,if they are called so, in context correctly and what they mean in each case:

  • not….by any means

  • not … by no means

  • (no negative)…. by no means
Is it appropriate to say: not…. by all means??



May you clarify these for me?
  

Top answer

These phrases are intensifiers , a kind of modifier: by all means = most assuredly; certainly by any means = in any way possible by no means = not by any means = in no way : not at all He is by no means the only man in the room wearing a truss = He is certainly not the only man here doing so. ' I do not by any means expect you to remain standing = I certainly do not expect you to stand. I can't see using not...

— Mister Micawber

  • These phrases are intensifiers , a kind of modifier: by all means = most assuredly; certainly by any means = in any way possible by no means = not by any means = in no way : not at all He is by no means the only man in the room wearing a truss = He is certainly not the only man here doing so.
  • ' I do not by any means expect you to remain standing = I certainly do not expect you to stand.
  • I can't see using not...
  • by all means -- it seems an awkward, ambiguous and nonidiomatic way of saying by no means- -but I suppose it is possible: You should not 'by all means' visit the Forum, but it is certainly considered de rigueur.
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1 Answers
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These phrases are intensifiers, a kind of modifier:

by all means = most assuredly; certainly
by any means = in any way possible
by no means = not by any means = in no way : not at all

He is by no means the only man in the room wearing a truss = He is certainly not the only man
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