no meaning and use

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(a negative used to express dissent, denial, or refusal, as in response to a question or request): “Have you done the dishes yet?” “No, not yet.”

(used to emphasize or introduce a negative statement): Not a single person came to the party, no, not a one.

not in any degree or manner; not at all (used with a comparative): He is no better.

(used as an expression of disapproval, shock, disbelief, dismay, etc.): Oh no, my pancakes are burning! “He moved away after he graduated.” “No! I was sure he'd be the one who stuck around.”

not a (used before a noun or a noun and its modifiers to convey the opposite meaning): She's no beginner on the ski slopes. His recovery was no small miracle.

an utterance of the word “no.”

a denial or refusal: He responded with a definite no.

a negative vote or voter: The noes have it.

to reject, refuse approval, or express disapproval of: I would have noed this plan for its lack of forethought if you'd told me about it.

to express disapproval.

Idioms about no

no can do , Informal . it can't be done.

Origin of no

Words nearby no.

• no accounting for tastes, there's

Other definitions for no (2 of 7)

not any: no money.

not at all; far from being: He is no genius.

very little; negligible : We got her to the hospital in no time.

Other definitions for No (3 of 7)

Lake, a lake in the Sudd region of S central Sudan, formed by the floodwaters of the White Nile. About 40 sq. mi. (100 sq. km).

Other definitions for No (4 of 7)

Other definitions for nō (5 of 7).

classic drama of Japan, developed chiefly in the 14th century, employing verse, prose, choral song, and dance in highly conventionalized formal and thematic patterns derived from religious sources and folk myths.

Origin of Nō

• Also called Nogaku .
• Compare kabuki .

Other definitions for no. (6 of 7)

Other definitions for n/o (7 of 7).

registered .

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use no in a sentence

Or has the see and hear and speak- no -evil stance of the Republican House persuaded him that he is in the clear?

These days, plenty of women are turning to online sites for no -frills male companionship.

Riffing off the slogan “Now Everyone Can Fly,” the carrier offered no -frills flights that were both cheap and plentiful.

And why would its ostensible spokesperson refuse to answer yes/ no questions about them?

Because Wright was a no -show in criminal court to face the loud music and pot bust he already had an outstanding warrant.

My no . 4239 addressed to Maxwell and repeated to you was sent before receiving your telegram under reply.

He was a new breed, that parson, a genuwine no -two-alike, come-one-in-a-box kind.

A pupil had loaned money to a horse-dealer who lived at no . 715 of a certain street.

Papa, can't I go to the zoologerical rooms to see the camomile fight the rhy- no -sir-ee-hoss?

On her hand was one large pustulous sore, which resembled that delinated in Plate no . 1.

British Dictionary definitions for no (1 of 9)

/ ( nəʊ ) /

used to express denial, disagreement, refusal, disapproval, disbelief, or acknowledgment of negative statements

used with question intonation to query a previous negative statement, as in disbelief : Alfred isn't dead yet. No?

an answer or vote of no

(often plural) a person who votes in the negative

the noes have it there is a majority of votes in the negative

not take no for an answer to continue in a course of action despite refusals

• Compare yes , aye 2

British Dictionary definitions for no (2 of 9)

not any, not a, or not one : there's no money left ; no card in the file

not by a long way; not at all : she's no youngster

( followed by comparative adjectives and adverbs ) not : no fewer than forty men ; no more quickly than before

no go See go 1 (def. 74)

British Dictionary definitions for no (3 of 9)

British dictionary definitions for no' (4 of 9).

/ ( no , nəʊ ) /

British Dictionary definitions for No (5 of 9)

the stylized classic drama of Japan, developed in the 15th century or earlier, using music, dancing, chanting, elaborate costumes, and themes from religious stories or myths

Origin of No

British dictionary definitions for no (6 of 9).

Lake No a lake in South Sudan, where the Bahr el Jebel (White Nile) is joined by the Bahr el Ghazal. Area: about 103 sq km (40 sq miles)

British Dictionary definitions for No (7 of 9)

British dictionary definitions for n.o. (8 of 9).

/ cricket /

British Dictionary definitions for No. (9 of 9)

Also: no plural Nos or nos number

Origin of No.

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for No

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Other Idioms and Phrases with no

In addition to the idioms beginning with no

• no call for
• nodding acquaintance
• no flies on one
• no fool like an old fool, there's
• no great shakes
• no hard feelings
• no holds barred
• no ifs or buts
• no love lost
• no man is an island
• no matter how you slice it
• none of one's business
• none of the above
• none other than
• none the wiser
• none the worse for
• no news is good news
• no pain, no gain
• nose in a book, have one's
• nose in the air, have one's
• nose out of joint, have one's
• nose to the grindstone, keep one's
• no skin off one's nose
• no smoke without fire, there's
• no sooner said than done
• no spring chicken
• no stomach for, have
• no strings attached
• no such thing
• no thanks to
• no time at all
• no time for, have
• no time like the present, there's
• no two ways about it
• no use crying over spilt milk
• no use, it's
• all talk (and no action)
• all work and no play
• by no means
• close but no cigar
• come to an end (to no good)
• do any (no) good
• feel no pain
• hell has no fury
• hold no brief for
• in no uncertain terms
• leave no stone unturned
• less than (no time)
• long time no see
• lose (no) time
• make no bones about
• make no difference
• make no mistake
• money is no object
• none of one's (have no) business
• point of no return
• pull no punches
• rolling stone gathers no moss
• shadow of a doubt, no
• take no for an answer
• there's no telling
• to little (no) purpose
• to no avail
• under any (no) circumstances
• up to no good

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

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• Grammar Guide

No vs Not: What's the Difference?

The ProWritingAid Team

The words no and not are often confused because they are easy to mistype. In this article, we explain the difference between them.

Not negates the meaning of the modified verb when used as an adverb.

No means "not any" when used as a determiner.

A good way to remember the difference is that not works with verbs and no works with no uns.

The Difference Between No vs Not

Let's look at how to use the correct word when you're writing.

Not is usually used to modify verbs. It negates the meaning of a verb. If a verb did not occur, you will use not.

Sometimes not accompanies nouns, but it only works with nouns that have an article ( a , an , the ). It can also come before an adverb, such as not many .

Examples of not :

• He didn't run quickly enough. (didn't = did not)
• That's not the right bus.
• There aren't many seats left. (aren't = are not)
• I do not like playing the cello.

No is usually used to modify nouns. It precedes nouns that do not have an article. It can also precede an adjective that comes before a noun (e.g. no good reason ). No also means the opposite of yes . Some synonyms of no are: none, nary, no, null.

Examples of no :

• That's no excuse.
• I have no imagination.
• There are no chocolate bars.

Should I use "no matter how" or "not matter how"?

The right expression is "no matter how" – e.g. I couldn't run fast enough, no matter how hard I tried.

Is the correct expression "there can be no" or "there can be not"?

The correct expression is "there can be no" – e.g. There can be no excuse for rudeness to staff.

What's the correct phrase, "no doubt" or "not doubt"?

The right expression is "no doubt" – e.g. She had no doubt that they had tried their best.

Which is correct, "I do not know" or "I do no know"?

The right expression is "I do not know" – e.g. I don't know the answer to this question. (don't = do not)

Should it be "do not want to" or "do no want to"?

The correct phrase is "do not want to" – e.g. We do not want to pay such a high fee.

Is the expression "I do not think" or "I do no think"?

The correct phrase is "I do not think" – e.g. I do not think I am performing at my best.

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The Difference between NO and NOT in English

By: Author Rosie

Posted on Last updated: October 26, 2023

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NO and Not are both negative words used in the English language, but they have slightly different meanings and uses. “No” is used as an adverb to indicate the absence of something or to give a negative response to a question. It is usually used in the positive form of the sentence. On the other hand, “not” is used as a conjunction to negate the meaning of the verb that follows it, often in the negative form of the sentence.

Understanding ‘No’ and ‘Not’ in English Grammar

In English grammar, “no” and “not” are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings and functions.

“No” is used to negate a noun or a noun phrase, while “not” is used to negate a verb or an adjective. For example, “There is no milk in the fridge” and “I am not hungry” are both negations, but they use “no” and “not” differently.

When using “no,” it’s important to remember that it can be used as a determiner or an adverb. As a determiner, “no” is used with a singular or plural noun to indicate the absence of something. For example, “There are no chairs in the room” means that there are no chairs present in the room. As an adverb, “no” is used to modify a verb or an adjective to indicate the absence of an action or a state. For example, “He did no harm” means that he did not cause any harm.

On the other hand, “not” is used to negate a verb or an adjective. For example, “I am not going to the party” means that I will not attend the party, while “This is not a good idea” means that the idea is not good.

It’s important to note that when using “not” to negate a verb, it is usually placed before the verb. For example, “I do not like coffee” is correct, while “I not like coffee” is incorrect.

In summary, “no” and “not” are two words that are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings and functions in English grammar. “No” is used to negate a noun or a noun phrase, while “not” is used to negate a verb or an adjective.

Difference between No and Not

While both of these words are used to show the negative, knowing how and when to use “no” and “not” is an important skill and can make a big difference in your English.

When to Use “No”

No  is usually used to mean something like “not any” or “not a/ an ”, and usually refers to a noun. It is commonly used in the following situations:

Answering a yes or no question:

For Example :

•  “Are you from Germany?” “Yes, I am.”

Using in an exclamation:

• “Can I help you?” “No. Everything is okay.”

Using ‘no’ for nouns without an article:

•  There’s no address on the envelope.
•  No decisions have been made.

Used as adjectives preceding a noun without an article:

• The company had no worthy rivals in the industry.

Before verbal nouns (ending in -ing):

For examples :

•   No smoking in this area!
• No playing in parking area!

When to Use “Not”

Not  is used to express negation in other ways.

For verbs, to show the opposite of an action:

• They do not want to proceed with the experimental study.

For adverbs which are describing a verb:

• Not surprisingly, it was a tense match but eventually the more experienced Australians won.

For nouns with an article:

(This also includes nouns with an article, which are preceded by an adjective, and adjectives on their own.)

• I liked the yellow car, but not the black one.

Difference between No and Not | Images

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Misuse of ‘no’.

One common mistake that people make is using ‘no’ instead of ‘not’. For example, saying “I have no any money” instead of “I do not have any money”. The word ‘no’ is used to indicate the absence of something, while ‘not’ is used to negate a verb or adjective. Therefore, it is important to use ‘not’ instead of ‘no’ in negating verbs or adjectives.

Another mistake is using ‘no’ instead of ‘any’. For example, saying “I have no money” instead of “I do not have any money”. ‘No’ is used to indicate the complete absence of something, while ‘any’ is used to indicate the absence of a specific amount or quantity. Therefore, it is important to use ‘any’ instead of ‘no’ in negative sentences that indicate the absence of a specific amount or quantity.

Misuse of ‘Not’

One common mistake that people make is not placing ‘not’ in the correct position in a sentence. For example, saying “I can not swim” instead of “I cannot swim”. ‘Not’ should always be placed after the auxiliary verb or before the main verb. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the correct placement of ‘not’ in a sentence.

Another mistake is using double negatives. For example, saying “I don’t have nothing” instead of “I don’t have anything”. Double negatives cancel each other out and create a positive meaning. Therefore, it is important to avoid using double negatives in sentences.

In conclusion, it is important to use ‘not’ instead of ‘no’ in negating verbs or adjectives, and to use ‘any’ instead of ‘no’ in negative sentences that indicate the absence of a specific amount or quantity. It is also important to pay attention to the correct placement of ‘not’ in a sentence and to avoid using double negatives.

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While both of these words are used to show the negative , knowing how and when to use ‘no’ and ‘not’ is an important skill and can make a big difference in your English.

‘No’ is usually used to mean something like “not any” or “not a/an”, and usually refers to a noun. It is commonly used in the following situations:

Answering a yes or no question

E.g. Did you finish your homework? No , I didn’t finish my homework.

Using ‘no’ for nouns without an article

E.g. Sarah has no idea where her phone is.

E.g. This is no time for fighting!

E.g. The book has no information.

Adjectives preceding a noun without an article

E.g. I checked the website, but there are no red dresses.

E.g. There were no late trains today.

E.g. The school has no bad teachers.

Before verbal nouns (ending in -ing)

E.g. No smoking.

E.g. No playing in the street!

E.g. No texting during school!

Not is used to express negation in other ways:

For verbs, to show the opposite of an action

E.g. I do not like this colour.

E.g. He is not cooking dinner tonight.

E.g. You can not go to Jack’s house.

Also for adverbs which are describing a verb

E.g. I don’t like that actor.

Why not ? [Why don’t you like that actor?]

E.g. The car is not very fast.

E.g. Not surprisingly, the hotel was very nice.

Nouns with an article

This also includes nouns with an article, which are preceded by an adjective, and adjectives on their own.

E.g. I liked the pink dress, but not the red one.

E.g. He is not a teacher; he is a student.

E.g. Josh is not friendly.

Try it for yourself! And if you liked this lesson, remember to share it with your friends and leave us a comment to tell us what was so great about it!

• I can _____ come to your party tonight. not no
• The store has _____ ice cream! not no
• It's _____ an impossible dream. no not
• Kelly does _____ read slowly. not no

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• Determiners

No , Not A , Not Any

No is more emphatic than not any .

• I haven’t any money. Indicating the absence of money. I have no money. Indicating absence again, but more emphatically.

No is also used more often than the contracted not any in formal contexts (such as academic texts).

• There aren’t any gaps in our neural representation of the world.
• More formal: There are no gaps in our neural representation of the world.

No is generally used instead of not any in the subject of a sentence.

• No / Not any dragons were harmed in the making of this game.

A / an is generally used instead of any with singular countable nouns in negative statements.

• I don’t have a / any pen.

No cannot simply replace not a in sentences. Not a is used to make a straightforward negative statement, while no indicates that something is quite different from what has been implied.

• I am not an artist. Stating a fact. Well, he’s no expert. Quite other than an expert: emphasizing that he is not an expert at all.

No , any , and a as determiners

No , any , and a / an are determiners used before a noun to clarify its reference.

• Maya is a writer.
• Is there any money in the bag?
• Check whether there are any potatoes in the basket.
• I am no genius.
• There is no gold in this river.
• There are no potatoes in the basket.

The adverb not is used with a and any in negative sentences. It is often contracted and combined with the main verb —for example, is not becomes isn’t .

• Maya is not a writer.
• There isn’t any money in the bag.
• There aren’t any potatoes in the basket.

A , any , and no can all be used in negative sentences, but they convey different points of view or degrees of emphasis. In this article, we discuss when to use which: no , not a , or not any .

Not a vs. not any

With singular countable nouns, a / an is generally used rather than any in negative statements.

• This is not a cat.
• I am not a monster.
• I don’t own a laptop.
• We are at the pier, but there isn’t a boat in sight.
• I haven’t a clue what you’re talking about.

It is not grammatically wrong to use any with singular countable nouns in negative statements. But note that when any is used in this way, the word is stressed and lends greater emphasis to the sentence.

• I don’t own any car at all, much less a Mustang. More emphatic than “I don’t own a car.”
• This is not just any cat : it’s a talking cat. More emphatic than “This is not a cat.”
• I don’t have any idea what you’re talking about!
• The varnish hasn’t had any effect on the wood at all.
• This isn’t any old lamp : it’s the Gaslighter Triumph!

In negative questions , a / an used with not implies a positive expectation. Affirmative questions with a / an (without not ) are more open-ended.

• Negative question: Isn’t there a way to solve this? The speaker believes there is a way and is confirming this positive expectation.
• Affirmative question: Is there a way to solve this? More neutral: there may or may not be a way; the speaker does not know.

In contrast, not any conveys negative expectation in negative questions . Affirmative questions with not any are again open-ended, but more forceful than those with not a .

• Negative question: Isn’t there any way to solve this? The speaker doesn’t think there is a way and is seeking to confirm this negative expectation.
• Affirmative question: Is there any way to solve this? Open-ended, but with greater emphasis than “Is there a way?”

No vs. not any

Both no and not any can be used in negative statements . Using no is more emphatic. No instead of the contracted not any is also used more often in formal contexts.

• There isn’t any coffee in this pot. Indicating the absence of coffee.
• There’s no coffee in this pot. More emphatic.
• There aren’t any projects left to finish. Less formal.
• There are no projects left to finish. More formal.

Here are some more examples of not any and no used in negative statements. Again, no is more forceful and formal than any used with the negated verb.

• I wouldn’t pay any heed to what he says. I would pay no heed to what he says.
• I haven’t any idea at all why this happened. I have no idea at all why this happened.
• I don’t see any light at the end of this tunnel. I see no light at the end of this tunnel.
• The disasters aren’t in any way related to each other. The disasters are in no way related to each other.
• I can’t see any dots at all. I can see no dots at all.
• Fortunately for us, they haven’t any say in the matter. Fortunately for us, they have no say in the matter.

In the subject of a sentence, no is generally used instead of not any .

• No / Not any questions were answered during the presentation.
• No / Not any animals were harmed in the making of this film.
• No / Not any human has ever lived on Neptune.

Note however that not any rather than no is used as the subject of a sentence to indicate that what is being referred to is special or important.

• Not just any salt will do for this recipe: you need Himalayan pink salt.
• Look at my cat counting her toys. Not any cat can count, you know.

Both no and not any are used to confirm negative expectations in questions. No is more emphatic. It is also used more often in formal and literary contexts.

• Isn’t there any money left in our account? The speaker does not think there is money and is confirming this negative expectation.
• Is there no money left in our account? No is stronger than not any and is used to convey a strong emotion, like shock or horror.

In questions, the not in not any contracts and combines with the verb in modern usage. No is more often used in formal contexts than the contracted not any . No is also more literary. Here are some more examples of not any and no used in questions. Note how no is more forceful and dramatic than not any .

• Isn’t there any hope at all? Is there no hope at all?
• Aren’t there any volunteers? Are there no volunteers?
• Don’t you have any work today? Do you have no work today?
• Haven’t you any shame? Have you no shame?
• Hasn’t she any time at all for us? Has she no time at all for us?
• Aren’t there any students waiting for you in the classroom? Are there no students waiting for you in the classroom?
• Isn’t there any ice-cream at all? Is there no ice-cream at all?
• Aren’t there any unbiased news outlets? Are there no unbiased news outlets?

Any is used with the negated form of the verb, while no , which is itself a negative word, is used with the affirmative form of the verb.

• Isn’t there any water in the bottle?
• Isn’t / Is there no water in the bottle?

Contracted not any vs. no

In the negated verb + any structure, not is generally contracted in questions.

• Aren’t any of these shoes on sale? Instead of “Are not any of these shoes on sale?” which is not grammatically wrong but would sound odd to most English speakers.
• Don’t they have any questions?
• Haven’t they found any water yet?

In statements as well, not is generally contracted in the verb + any structure.

• There aren’t any shoes on sale.
• They don’t have any questions.
• They haven’t found any water at all.

Since contractions are not considered appropriate in formal writing (such as business and academic documents), the contracted not any is often replaced with no .

• Less formal: They haven’t any other questions. More formal: They have no other questions.
• Less formal: We didn’t take any readings on January 1. More formal: We took no readings on January 1.

Not a vs. no

No and not a mean different things. Not a is used to make a simple negative statement, while no is used to emphatically state that something is quite different from what has been assumed or implied.

• I am not an artist. Statement of fact.
• She is no artist. Contradicting an assumption or implication.

Here are some more examples of not a used to state facts.

• He is not a surgeon.
• I am not an expert.
• This is not an easy task.

In contrast, no is used not simply to negate a statement, but also to indicate that reality is quite different from what may be assumed or implied. Thus, while not a presents a fact, no is used to contradict an assumption or implication.

• He is no surgeon; he’s not even a doctor.
• I am no expert.
• This is no easy task.
• She is no Mozart, even if she does play the piano.

In questions, no cannot simply replace not a .

• Correct: Isn’t this a mouse? Incorrect: Is this no mouse?
• Correct: Aren’t you a carpenter? Incorrect: Are you no carpenter?

When the indefinite article a / an is used instead of any with singular countable nouns in negative questions, it conveys a positive expectation. You cannot simply replace it with no , which conveys a negative expectation. Instead, use the stressed some to be emphatic.

• Isn’t there a way to submit the form online? The speaker believes there is a way, and is confirming this.
• Isn’t there some way to submit the form online? The word some is stressed in this sentence to emphasize the speaker’s positive expectation.

Examples from literature

Here are some examples from literature that show how no , not any , and not a are used. Note how no is more emphatic and dramatic than not a and not any .

• I’m not a teacher: only a fellow-traveller of whom you asked the way. I pointed ahead—ahead of myself as well as of you. — George Bernard Shaw , Getting Married (1908)
• There isn’t any “the future.” There’s an infinite number of possible futures, and we don’t know which one we’re going to get. — Margaret Atwood , An interview with Margaret Atwood , by Trisha Gupta (2016)
• Maybe, he thought, there aren’t any such things as good or bad friends—maybe there are just friends, people who stand by you when you’re hurt and who help you feel not so lonely. — Stephen King , It (1986)
• I’m sure it’s not any wish of mine that I’m born with inclinations for better things. — Miles Franklin , My Brilliant Career (1901)
• I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will. — Charlotte Brontë , Jane Eyre (1847)
• Lock up your libraries if you like; but there is no gate, no lock, no bolt that you can set upon the freedom of my mind. — Virginia Woolf , A Room of One’s Own (1929)
• There is no true life. Your true life is the one you end up with, whatever it may be. — Anne Tyler , Back When We Were Grownups (2001)
• No cat purrs unless someone is around to listen. — Elizabeth Marshall Thomas , The Tribe of Tiger (2001)

Also note how in that last example, not a cat or not any cat cannot simply replace no cat as the subject of the sentence.

Indefinite pronouns starting with any and no

Indefinite pronouns starting with any and no are used much the same way as the determiners any and no . No one or nobody and nothing are more emphatic than not anyone / anybody and not anything .

• I don’t have anything to give you. I have nothing to give you. Nothing is more emphatic and dramatic than not anything .
• You and I haven’t anything in common. You and I have nothing in common.
• You can’t believe anything he says. You can believe nothing he says.
• I haven’t met anyone in months. I have met no one in months.
• If you’re in pain, it’s because of those new shoes, not anything else. If you’re in pain, it’s because of those new shoes, nothing else.

No one and anyone , seen more often in writing and formal usage, mean the same as nobody and anybody , which are used more often in speech.

As the subject of a sentence, nothing is used instead of not anything .

• Nothing / not anything matters anymore.
• Nothing / not anything has happened yet.
• Nothing / not anything you say can change my mind.

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With singular countable nouns, a / an is generally used instead of any (though any is sometimes used for emphasis).

No is used more often than not any in formal contexts.

No instead of not any is generally used in the subject of a sentence.

No cannot simply replace not a in negative questions.

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it's no use

Definition of it's no use, dictionary entries near it's no use.

(it's) no biggie

it's no use

it's six of one and half a dozen of the other

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“It's no use.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/it%27s%20no%20use. Accessed 8 Apr. 2024.

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What Does No Mean? – Meaning, Uses and More

What Does No Mean?

The term no is not commonly used as a slang or acronym with a specific meaning. However, it can be used as an abbreviation for “know” in certain contexts. For example, someone might text “I no I’m not a professional, but I think you sounded great!” to indicate that they know or understand something. The origins of using “no” as an abbreviation for “know” are unclear, but it likely emerged in the early 2000s with the rise of texting and online messaging. While not many people use this abbreviation, if you do come across it, it will probably be in a text or online message.

What Does No Mean From a Girl?

When a girl uses the term no , it typically does not have a specific meaning in slang. However, girls may use “no” in various ways depending on the context and their intentions.

Here are a few possible meanings and uses of “no” from a girl:

• Negation or refusal : Like everyone else, girls may use “no” to express negation or refusal. For example, if you ask a girl if she wants to go out and she replies with “no,” it means she does not want to go.
• Sarcasm or irony : Girls may use “no” sarcastically or ironically to convey a different meaning. For instance, if someone says something obviously untrue or ridiculous, a girl might respond with “no” to indicate that they are not being serious.
• Playful teasing : Girls may use “no” in a playful or teasing manner. It can be used to create banter or flirtatious exchanges. For example, if someone compliments a girl’s outfit and she responds with “no,” it could mean she is being modest or fishing for more compliments.

It is important to note that the meaning of “no” from a girl can vary depending on the individual and the context of the conversation. It is always best to consider the specific situation and the girl’s tone and body language when interpreting her use of “no.”

When replying to a girl who uses “no,” it is essential to pay attention to the context and her intentions. Here are some possible ways to respond:

• Clarify : If you are unsure about the meaning behind her “no,” you can politely ask for clarification. For example, you can say, “I’m sorry if I misunderstood, but what do you mean by ‘no’?”
• Acknowledge : If she uses “no” as a refusal or negation, it is important to respect her decision. You can simply acknowledge her response and move on to another topic.
• Engage in banter : If she uses “no” playfully or sarcastically, you can respond with humor or continue the banter. This can help create a lighthearted and enjoyable conversation.

Remember, communication is key in any interaction. If you are unsure about the meaning of “no” or any other slang term, it is always best to ask for clarification rather than making assumptions.

• Guy: Hey, do you want to grab dinner tonight?
• Girl: No, I’m not really in the mood for going out. Let’s stay in and order pizza instead!
• Guy: Can I borrow your car for the weekend?
• Girl: No way! I need it for a road trip with my friends.
• Guy: Do you think I should dye my hair pink?
• Girl: No, I don’t think it would suit you. Stick with your natural color.
• Guy: Want to watch a scary movie tonight?
• Girl: No, I hate horror movies. Let’s watch a comedy instead.
• Guy: Can I have a bite of your ice cream?
• Girl: No chance! This is my favorite flavor and I’m not sharing.

What Does No Mean From a Guy?

When a guy uses the term no , it can have different meanings depending on the context and his intentions. Here are a few possible meanings and uses of “no” from a guy:

Negation or refusal : Like girls, guys may use “no” to express negation or refusal. For example, if you ask a guy if he wants to hang out and he replies with “no,” it means he does not want to.

Casual response : Sometimes, guys may use “no” as a casual response without any specific meaning. It can be a quick and simple way to answer a question or acknowledge something.

Sarcasm or irony : Guys may use “no” sarcastically or ironically to convey a different meaning. Similar to girls, they might respond with “no” if someone says something obviously untrue or ridiculous.

Playful teasing : Just like girls, guys may use “no” in a playful or teasing manner. It can be used to create banter or flirtatious exchanges. For example, if someone compliments a guy’s outfit and he responds with “no,” it could mean he is being modest or fishing for more compliments.

It is important to note that the meaning of “no” from a guy can vary depending on the individual and the context of the conversation. It is always best to consider the specific situation and the guy’s tone and body language when interpreting his use of “no.”

When replying to a guy who uses “no,” it is essential to pay attention to the context and his intentions. Here are some possible ways to respond:

Clarify : If you are unsure about the meaning behind his “no,” you can politely ask for clarification. For example, you can say, “I’m sorry if I misunderstood, but what do you mean by ‘no’?”

Acknowledge : If he uses “no” as a refusal or negation, it is important to respect his decision. You can simply acknowledge his response and move on to another topic.

Engage in banter : If he uses “no” playfully or sarcastically, you can respond with humor or continue the banter. This can help create a lighthearted and enjoyable conversation.

Remember, communication is key in any interaction. If you are unsure about the meaning of “no” or any other slang term, it is always best to ask for clarification rather than making assumptions. And hey, if all else fails, just go with the flow and embrace the unpredictability of slang!

• Guy 1: Hey, do you want to grab pizza for dinner?
• Guy 2: No way, man! I’m in the mood for some tacos.
• Guy 1: Did you watch the latest episode of that new show?
• Guy 2: No, I haven’t had the chance yet. Is it any good?
• Guy 1: Can you lend me some money? I promise I’ll pay you back.
• Guy 2: Sorry, dude. I’m broke too. No can do.
• Guy 1: Are you going to the party tonight?
• Guy 2: Nah, I’m not really feeling it. I think I’ll just stay home and chill.
• Guy: Do you want to play basketball this weekend?
• Girl: No, thanks. I’m not really into sports.
• Guy: That’s cool. Maybe we can do something else instead.

What Does No Mean Sexually?

No, the slang “no” in this context does not have a sexual or NSFW meaning. It is used as an abbreviation for “know” in certain contexts.

Origin of No

The origins of the abbreviation “no” to mean “know” are unclear. It likely emerged in the early 2000s with the rise of texting and online messaging. While not widely used, it can be seen in certain contexts, such as in the example “I no I’m not a professional, but I think you sounded great!” It is important to note that this abbreviation is not commonly used and may not be widely understood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Slangs similar to no.

The slang word “no” is not commonly used with a specific meaning, but it can be used as an abbreviation for “know” in certain contexts, especially in text or online messages. Additionally, “no” can also be used as an abbreviation for “no offence” to indicate that no offense is intended. Other related words like BZ, hit the head, soup sandwich, and mandatory fun are not similar to “no” in terms of meaning or usage.

Is No A Bad Word?

No, the word “no” is not a bad word or vulgar word. It is a common word used to express a negative response or to indicate knowledge.

Is No a Typo or Misspelling?

No, “no” is not a misspelling or typo. It can be used as an abbreviation for “know” in certain contexts, particularly in texts or online messages.

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Safety pins bad health these are the myths and superstitions surrounding the solar eclipse, no, the sun will not emit harmful radiation during the eclipse.

Rebecca Salinas , Digital Journalist

SAN ANTONIO – The total solar eclipse is about to slice through the U.S. and captivate millions as the day turns dark. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime event — and it’s passing right through the Hill Country and parts of South Texas on Monday, April 8.

A total solar eclipse is when the moon lines up perfectly between the sun and Earth, making it safe enough for people in the path of totality to remove eye protection and stare at the blotted star (**ONLY during totality**).

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Because the moon will be closer to Earth (223,000 miles away) on April 8, the moon will appear slightly larger, meaning the eclipse will last even longer than the one in 2017. Many surrounding cities will even see totality for more than four minutes.

It’s a rare spectacle . The contiguous U.S. won’t experience a total solar eclipse again until 2044, and then in 2045. Only the 2045 path touches Texas, and even then it’s just a corner of the Panhandle.

The cosmic sensation can be explained by pure science and mathematics based on decades of research , but it wasn’t always that way. In ancient times, many cultures believed an eclipse hung on a paranormal or mythical factor.

Ancient Chinese people believed solar eclipses occurred when celestial dragons devoured the sun, and lunar eclipses happened when dragons attacked the moon.

In Incan culture , people believed solar eclipses were a sign of displeasure from the sun god Inti. For the Choctaw Nation , tribes believed the mischievous Fvni Lusa, the “Black Squirrel,” would get hungry and eat the sun, causing the eclipse.

Cultures have told this type of folklore for generations, but NASA says some ideas are “remarkably resistant” to science and live on in today’s world.

Here’s a look at some of those myths, superstitions and misconceptions, based on NASA’s blog from the 2017 eclipse.

Can an eclipse harm pregnant women?

No, an eclipse will not harm pregnant women or their fetuses.

NASA said that myth stems from a false idea that the sun emits harmful radiation during an eclipse.

“Although the electromagnetic radiation from the corona, seen as light, is perfectly safe, there is another form of radiation that travels to Earth from the sun,” NASA states. “Deep in the solar interior where nuclear fusion takes place to light the sun, particles called neutrinos are born, and zip unimpeded out of the sun and into space.”

Every person is pelted by trillions of neutrinos, whether night or day, and they are harmless, NASA said.

Do pregnant women really need to wear safety pins?

In some cultures, especially Hispanic communities, there is a belief that babies could be born with facial defects due to a change in the atmosphere.

The superstition is that pregnant women should stay inside and take precautions because the sun’s magnetic field could suck or eat away the lip area of the fetus.

Pregnant women are told to wear red undergarments or red ribbons and place safety pins (or some type of metal) on their bellies to protect themselves. In some cultures, pregnant women are told to lie flat on the floor and not move during the eclipse, or keep something metallic, like scissors, underneath a pillow or bed.

According to NASA and Space.com , there has been no evidence that shows an eclipse can harm a pregnant woman or her unborn baby or cause birth defects.

Can an eclipse signal bad health?

A common belief is that a solar eclipse can indicate bad health if your birthday lands six months before or six months after the solar event.

According to NASA, this is “only supported by confirmation bias.”

“There is no physical relationship between a total solar eclipse and your health , any more than there is a relationship between your health and a new moon,” NASA says.

Is it safe to prepare food during the event?

One myth is that solar rays will poison food that’s prepared during the eclipse. Just like the superstition involving pregnant women, this belief is also false .

NASA said if a solar eclipse had harmful radiation that poisoned food in preparation, then food in pantries, stores and crops would also turn bad.

“The basic idea is that total solar eclipses are terrifying and their ghostly green coronae look frightening, so it is natural to want to make up fearful stories about them and look for coincidences among events around you,” NASA said.

Can total solar eclipses cause blindness?

If you’re in the path of totality, you can look directly toward the sun without protection ONLY DURING THE MOMENTS OF TOTALITY because the moon will completely block the sun out. You will be able to see the sun’s corona, or outer atmosphere, which emits electromagnetic radiation.

That radiation will not cause blindness because, according to NASA, it is a million times fainter than the light from the sun.

However, it is unsafe to view the sun at all other times without protective eyewear. Even when 99% of the sun’s surface is obscured, the remaining sun is still intense enough to cause retinal burn, experts say.

Before you buy a pair of eclipse-viewing glasses, make sure you check the safety authenticity to ensure the glasses meet the basic proper viewing standards that NASA recommends on its website.

Eclipse glasses and hand-held solar viewers should meet all the following criteria:

• Have certification information with a designated ISO 12312-2 international standard.
• Have the manufacturer’s name and address printed somewhere on the product.
• Not be used if they are more than three years old, or have scratched or wrinkled lenses.
• Viewers of the eclipse should not use homemade filters or ordinary sunglasses — not even very dark ones — because they are not safe for looking directly at the sun.

Read more about the eclipse here:

• Thousands of visitors slated to visit South Central Texas for April’s total eclipse
• You may want to reserve parking now if you plan to be in Kerrville for the solar eclipse
• LIST: South Texas events for viewing April’s total eclipse
• Why upcoming eclipse is such a rare event

Copyright 2024 by KSAT - All rights reserved.

About the Author

Rebecca salinas.

Rebecca Salinas is an award-winning digital journalist who joined KSAT in 2019. She reports on a variety of topics for KSAT 12 News.

Is it safe to look at a total solar eclipse? What to know about glasses, proper viewing

If you have your eyewear to take in monday's eclipse, here are some last-minute things to consider to ensure you're good to go..

The much-anticipated solar eclipse will finally enshroud thousands of miles of North America today in its long, narrow shadow. By now, those who plan to witness it should have their plans in place .

Travel has been completed. Schedules have been coordinated around the anticipated moment of totality. And proper eyewear is, of course, in your possession. Right?

We at USA TODAY have published no shortage of articles guiding you away from scam eclipse glasses and to the safest, most reliable options – some of which were even free. But if you need a last-minute refresher – or a crash course to catch you up on a topic you entirely missed – we're happy to oblige.

If you don't have your eclipse glasses by now, it may be too late. But some vendors, including Warby Parker , and even public libraries, have offered eclipse glasses giveaways , so be sure to check your local area before the historic event rolls into town.

And if you do have your eyewear to take in Monday's eclipse – the last one of these incredible astronomical events in North America for 20 years – here are some last-minute things to consider to ensure you're in good shape.

Solar eclipse 2024 live updates: See latest weather forecast, what time it hits your area

Can you go blind by looking at the solar eclipse?

Staring at the sun is  unlikely to completely blind you , but its powerful rays can still burn and  damage your retinas if you don't take proper safety precautions to view  solar eclipses .

That's why eyewear is recommended if you plan to look up at the sun Monday to witness the solar eclipse, which most of the country will be able to experience in some way.

In the face of the sun's powerful rays, regular sunglasses made of cheap plastic and polycarbonate material just aren't going to cut it. Astronomers and other experts instead emphasize that skygazers intent on viewing the upcoming total solar eclipse do so with  specialized eyewear  crafted to  protect their sensitive retinas  from permanent damage.

Even viewing any part of the bright sun through camera lenses, binoculars and telescopes without a specialized solar filter  could instantly cause severe eye injury , according to the American Astronomical Society.

Often made with a polyester film coated in aluminum, the glasses are highly specialized . Compared to regular sunglasses, proper eclipse glasses are 100,000 times darker to block nearly all visible, infrared and ultraviolet light and protect our sensitive retinas when looking skyward.

As another point of safety, don't look up while driving , please.

How to know when it's safe to view the eclipse without glasses

A  total solar eclipse  offers the unique opportunity for skygazers to  witness the spectacular astral display  with the naked eye – but only when the time is right.

Hundreds of cities in  13 states are along the path of totality  for the eclipse, which will move across North America from southwest to northeast . When the moon moves completely in front of the sun and blocks its light for a brief period of time, you'll know it's safe to fully take in the dazzling display.

That moment is what is called "totality," whereby uncharacteristic darkness falls and all but the sun's outermost layer known as its corona makes a rare appearance to us here on Earth,  according to NASA .

How to make sure your eclipse glasses aren't fake

In the rush to acquire  some coveted eclipse glasses  before April 8 , you may have inadvertently fallen victim to the  fakes and imitators proliferating online retailers .

While plenty of legitimate certified eyewear was widely available – and may still be – less-scrupulous manufacturers try all sorts of methods and tricks to get your attention and make you believe the product you're about to buy is the real deal.

For instance, many vendors began making the grand (and entirely made-up) claim that their products are endorsed by NASA.

As the space agency  reiterated to USA TODAY , NASA highly recommended that skygazers get a pair of certified eclipse glasses before the total solar eclipse  charts a 115-mile-wide path of totality  blanketing much of North America in  uncharacteristic darkness . But it does not approve  any particular brand of solar viewers, despite what many vendors may claim.

The responsibility of guiding American consumers to the safest eclipse glasses is largely left to the American Astronomical Society.

The organization maintains  a curated list of approved vendors  of solar eclipse glasses that it updated to give priority to North American manufacturers ahead of the total solar eclipse. Products you purchase that are listed on that site are guaranteed to be  in compliance with  the highest international safety standards.

Those standards are set by the International Organization for Standardization, which only vouches for solar eclipse glasses that are dark and strong enough to filter out a certain amount of the sun's harmful light.

The astronomical society also provides some  helpful tips  for how to spot counterfeit glasses.

No eclipse glasses? Welding lenses, pinhole projectors among alternative viewers

While certified solar eclipse glasses are the preferred method for viewing the eclipse, alternative methods do exist that don't necessarily sacrifice one's safety.

Many people, particularly blue-collar workers, may be tempted to turn to those welding lenses they have sitting in their workshop.

But beware: The most common welding goggles and helmets aren't typically strong enough to adequately withstand the sun's powerful rays and protect your vulnerable eyes.

Any welding lenses weaker than a Shade 12 filter – a number that indicates the level of protection offered – just aren't going to cut it when it comes to gazing upward in anticipation of the moon blocking all but the sun's outermost layer.

It's also not too late to buy some welding lenses, which Tractor Supply is promoting for sale at its 282 stores along the path of totality as a viable option for viewing the eclipse.

Another simple method is to create your own pinhole projector to project the sun onto a nearby surface. The American Astronomical Society offers helpful  instructions  to set them up.

And one final note: As you make your eclipse-viewing plans,  these interactive maps  should help you chart the time and duration for when totality would occur in cities along the path.

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at [email protected]

Watch CBS News

Why is looking at a solar eclipse dangerous without special glasses? Eye doctors explain.

By Sara Moniuszko

Edited By Allison Elyse Gualtieri

Updated on: April 8, 2024 / 8:54 AM EDT / CBS News

The solar eclipse will be visible for millions of Americans on April 8, 2024, making many excited to see it — but how you watch it matters, since it can be dangerous for your eyes. 

A  solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, blocking the sun's light . When the moon blocks some of the sun, it's a partial solar eclipse, but when moon lines up with the sun, blocking all of its light, a total solar eclipse occurs,  NASA explains . Either way, you need eye protection when viewing.

"The solar eclipse will be beautiful, so I hope that everyone experiences it — but they need to experience it in the right way," said Dr. Jason P. Brinton, an ophthalmologist and medical director at Brinton Vision in St. Louis.

Here's what to know to stay safe.

Why is looking at a solar eclipse dangerous?

Looking at the sun — even when it's partially covered like during an eclipse — can cause eye damage.

There is no safe dose of solar ultraviolet rays or infrared radiation, said  Dr. Yehia Hashad , an ophthalmologist, retinal specialist and the chief medical officer at eye health company Bausch + Lomb.

"A very small dose could cause harm to some people," he said. "That's why we say the partial eclipse could also be damaging. And that's why we protect our eyes with the partial as well as with the full sun."

Some say that during a total eclipse, it's safe to view the brief period time when the moon completely blocks the sun without eye protection. But experts warn against it. 

"Totality of the eclipse lasts only about 1 to 3 minutes based on geographic location, and bright sunlight suddenly can appear as the moon continues to move," notes an eclipse viewing guide published in JAMA , adding, "even a few seconds of viewing the sun during an eclipse" can temporarily or permanently damage your vision. 

Do I need special glasses for eclipse viewing?

Yes.  Eclipse glasses are needed to protect your eyes if you want to look at the eclipse.

Regular sunglasses aren't protective enough for eclipse viewing — even if you stack more than one. 

"There's no amount of sunglasses that people can put on that will make up for the filtering that the ISO standard filters and the eclipse glasses provide," Brinton said.

You also shouldn't look at the eclipse through a camera lens, phone, binoculars or telescope, according to NASA, even while wearing eclipse glasses. The solar rays can burn through the lens and cause serious eye injury.

Eclipse glasses must comply with the  ISO 12312-2 international safety standard , according to NASA, and should have an "ISO" label printed on them to show they comply. The American Astronomical Society  has a list  of approved solar viewers.

Can't find these, or they're sold out near you? You can also  make homemade viewers ,   which allow you to observe the eclipse indirectly — just don't accidentally look at the sun while using one.

How to keep kids safe during the solar eclipse

Since this eclipse is expected to occur around the time of dismissal for many schools across the country, it may be tempting for students to view it without the proper safety precautions while getting to and from their buses. That's why some school districts are  canceling classes early so kids can enjoy the event safely with their families.

Dr. Avnish Deobhakta, vitreoretinal surgeon at New York Eye and Ear Infirmary at Mount Sinai, said parents should also be careful because it can be difficult for children to listen or keep solar eclipse glasses on. 

"You want to actually, in my opinion, kind of avoid them even looking at the eclipse, if possible," he said. "Never look directly at the sun, always wear the right eclipse sunglasses if you are going to look at the sun and make sure that those are coming from a reliable source."

Brinton recommends everyone starts their eclipse "viewing" early, by looking at professional photos and videos of an eclipse online or visiting a local planetarium. 

That way, you "have an idea of what to expect," he said. 

He also recommends the foundation  Prevent Blindness , which has resources for families about eclipse safety.

What happens if you look at a solar eclipse without eclipse glasses?

While your eyes likely won't hurt in the moment if you look at the eclipse without protection, due to lowered brightness and where damage occurs in the eye, beware: The rays can still cause damage .

The harm may not be apparent immediately. Sometimes trouble starts to appear one to a few days following the event. It could affect just one or both eyes.

And while some will regain normal visual function, sometimes the damage is permanent. 

"Often there will be some recovery of the vision in the first few months after it, but sometimes there is no recovery and sometimes there's a degree to which it is permanent," Brinton said. 

How long do you have to look at the eclipse to damage your eyes?

Any amount of time looking at the eclipse without protection is too long, experts say. 

"If someone briefly looks at the eclipse, if it's extremely brief, in some cases there won't be damage. But damage can happen even within a fraction of a second in some cases," Brinton said. He said he's had patients who have suffered from solar retinopathy, the official name for the condition.

Deobhakta treated a patient who watched the 2017 solar eclipse for 20 seconds without proper eye protection. She now has permanent damage in the shape of a crescent that interferes with her vision. 

"The crescent that is burned into the retina, the patient sees as black in her visual field," he said. "The visual deficit that she has will never go away."

How to know if you've damaged your eyes from looking at the eclipse

Signs and symptoms of eye damage following an eclipse viewing include headaches, blurred vision, dark spots, changes to how you see color, lines and shapes. 

Unfortunately, there isn't a treatment for solar retinopathy.

"Seeing an eye care professional to solidify the diagnosis and for education I think is reasonable," Brinton said, but added, "right now there is nothing that we do for this. Just wait and give it time and the body does tend to heal up a measure of it."

Sara Moniuszko is a health and lifestyle reporter at CBSNews.com. Previously, she wrote for USA Today, where she was selected to help launch the newspaper's wellness vertical. She now covers breaking and trending news for CBS News' HealthWatch.

More from CBS News

Look at the solar eclipse too long? Doctors explain signs of eye damage

Is it safe to take pictures of the solar eclipse with your phone?

How to make pinhole cameras to watch the 2024 solar eclipse safely

How often do total solar eclipses happen?

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Energy companies under fire over move to 'punishing' time-of-use tariffs

Angela Hyde lives a modest life near Berri, about two and a half hours east of Adelaide on the Murray River.

Money is tight in Ms Hyde's home, where she lives with her ex-partner and three adult children.

So it was a bitter blow when she recently received a quarterly power bill for $2,000 – more than double the previous invoice and unlike anything she'd had before.

"That's a lot of money for me," she said.

"I was horrified when I saw the amount. And I thought, 'How am I going to pay this?'

"So I'll be entering into payment plans. But you never really catch up when you're on a payment plan."

Ms Hyde said the shocking bill came after changes were made to the way her property was charged for electricity.

Economic theory, messy reality

Instead of paying a flat rate throughout the day, her property has been moved on to a so-called time-of-use, or cost-reflective, tariff.

Under the tariff, charges are significantly higher between 6am and 10am and 3pm and 1am – a total of 14 hours every day.

But she said she knew nothing about the change until after she received the bill from her retailer – French-owned firm Simply Energy – and sought help from a financial counsellor.

"I hadn't done anything differently," she explained.

"I hadn't bought any new appliances or anything that would change it except for the … new times-of-use tariff."

To the anger of charities and consumer groups, Ms Hyde's story is an increasingly common one.

Across Australia, but particularly in South Australia, consumers are being shifted on to time-of-use tariffs in big numbers.

Enabling the change are smart meters that supposedly allow householders to see how much power they are using in "real time" while giving regulators and the industry better oversight of customers' usage.

They can also allow network poles-and-wires companies to switch off or dial back appliances such as air conditioners and pool pumps during times of stress on the grid.

The industry says time-of-use tariffs will make the electricity system more efficient by sending consumers price signals about the underlying costs of their power.

Thanks to the rise of solar power in Australia, wholesale electricity prices are typically far cheaper in the middle of the day.

However, they often soar in the afternoon and evening when solar output falls away and back-up generators such as gas plants have to fill the breach.

Tariffs 'essential' for efficient grid

The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) says time-of-use tariffs encourage more of the solar power to be used.

"Tariff reform can encourage more efficient use of networks, delay the need for network augmentation and investment, and spread network costs more equitably," the regulator wrote in its latest State of the Energy Market report.

According to the AER, smart meters "are essential" for cost-reflective tariffs to be applied.

It noted that as of June 30, 2022, about 57 per cent of households in the national electricity market (NEM) had metering "capable of supporting" such tariffs, though a smaller percentage had been assigned to them.

But the regulator also noted that the Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC), which sets the rules in the NEM, had "reached the view that the rollout of smart meters had progressed too slowly".

As a result, the AEMC last August called for a mandatory rollout of smart meters to ensure every household had one by the end of the decade.

Simply Energy declined to be interviewed about Ms Hyde's case or the broader effects of time-of-use tariffs.

Instead, the company provided a statement in which it appeared to put the onus on the poles-and-wires company – SA Power Networks – that services Ms Hyde's property.

A spokeswoman for Simply Energy said it was the poles-and-wires company that installed the smart meter and updated the tariff "to the default, which is currently the time of use tariff".

"We can confirm that the customer is on a time of use tariff," the spokeswoman said.

"Although the tariff changed, we did not change the customer billing and therefore, we are not required to notify the customer."

A spokesman for the AER said retailers were allowed to vary their customers' tariffs and charges so long as it was consistent with national energy rules.

But the spokesman said customers also had to be given notice of any changes affecting them.

The notice period was at least five business days before the variation took effect, or 10 days in Queensland.

"The AER is constantly monitoring retailers' compliance with the National Energy Retail Rules," the spokesman said.

Others take a dim view of the position put forward by regulators and the industry.

Changes fuel inequality worries

Ross Womersley from the South Australian Council of Social Services said the case for time-of-use tariffs might make some intuitive sense.

But he argued the implementation of the tariffs had been poorly handled by regulators and the industry.

At the heart of it, he said, had been a failure to properly notify and inform consumers about the changes and the effects that would be felt.

He labelled as "extraordinary" the 14-hour-a-day application of peak rates in South Australia, saying it was excessive.

And he said there must be an end to the mandatory assignment of cost-reflective prices, arguing consumers should be given a choice.

"We think there's a major failing here, both on the part of the regulator and on the part of the retailers who are not informing their customers that this is going on," Mr Womersley said.

"As a result, they can't even start to make decisions about whether there's any way that they could move their demand for electricity use through the day.

"And there are genuine and good reasons for people to be concerned."

Much worse, he said, the tariffs were entrenching inequality and badly hurting many of the people who could least afford it.

He said if regulators and the industry genuinely wanted to improve the system, they should implement changes providing fairer access to surplus renewable energy.

"The opportunities to really maximise any of the advantages from time-of-use come with having the flexibility on the one hand to move your usage pattern or the mechanisms to control for your demand," he said.

"And clearly things like battery storage and electric cars are one of those mechanisms for being able to do that.

"However, what we also know is that those things are costly.

"And the only people who are likely to have the capacity to implement measures that really protect them will be those households that probably have the most capacity to continue to pay for their energy use into the future.

"But if you haven't got that capacity, then you're going to actually be punished."

No real choice

Ms Hyde, for one, feels as though she is being punished.

She works full time at a local charity and cannot easily change when and how she uses electricity to reduce her exposure to peak prices.

"Well, that (changing her usage) is fine if you are at home during the day to do things," Ms Hyde said.

"I don't have that option because I work all day.

"And on weekends when I could do it I've got other commitments … like taking people to sport and … socialising and stuff.

"I don't want to spending all my weekend daytime hours doing washing and catching up on the week's worth of dishes and things like that."

Her inability to shift when she uses power means Ms Hyde is dreading her next bill and worrying about how she will afford to live.

"If I'd known previously, I could have put more money aside to cover the extra or try and cover at least some of the extra [cost]," she said.

"Because I've always put money aside for the power bill, knowing that it's a large bill.

"And I've always had enough in the bank to pay it. And this time, I haven't."

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Your last-minute guide to Monday's total solar eclipse

A total solar eclipse will cross North America on Monday , offering millions a rare opportunity to see afternoon skies temporarily darken as the moon blocks the face of the sun.

Tune into NBC News NOW as Lester Holt hosts a two-hour special at 2 p.m. ET Monday from Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The eclipse's path fortuitously cuts across Mexico, 15 U.S. states and a small part of eastern Canada. In all other states in the continental U.S., viewers will be treated to a partial solar eclipse, with the moon appearing to take a bite out of the sun and obscuring part of its light.

Here’s everything you need to know about the rare celestial event.

What is a solar eclipse?

Solar eclipses occur when the sun, moon and Earth align. The moon passes between Earth and sun, temporarily blocking the sun’s light and casting a shadow on Earth.

A total solar eclipse is when the moon fully obscures the sun, whereas a partial solar eclipse means it blocks just a portion of the sun’s face.

Solar eclipses occur only with the new moon. Because the moon’s orbit around Earth is tilted, the three bodies don’t always line up in a way that creates an eclipse.

“Imagine if the moon’s orbit were in the plane of Earth’s orbit around the sun — if that were the case, then every new moon, you’d have a total solar eclipse and every full moon, you’d have a lunar eclipse,” Neil DeGrasse Tyson, director of the Hayden Planetarium at the American Museum of Natural History, told NBC News. “So, because things don’t always align, it lends to the rarity of the event and the specialness of the event.”

Where and when will the eclipse be visible?

This year’s eclipse will follow a slightly wider path over more populated areas of the continental U.S. than other total solar eclipses have in the recent past.

NASA estimates that 31.6 million people live within what’s known as the path of totality, where the total solar eclipse will be visible. An additional 150 million people live within 200 miles of the path, according to the agency.

The path travels through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Tiny parts of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear.

After the eclipse crosses into Canada, it will pass over southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

Those outside the path of totality can still take part in the astronomical event by viewing a partial solar eclipse — visible throughout all 48 states of the contiguous U.S. — or a NASA livestream.

The timing, including how long totality lasts, depends on the location, but some spots will see the moon fully cover the sun for up to 4 minutes and 28 seconds.

Below is a list of timings for some cities along the path of totality, as  provided by NASA . A number of other resources, including NationalEclipse.com  and  TimeandDate.com , can also help people plan.

• Dallas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:23 p.m. CT and totality at 1:40 p.m.
• Little Rock, Arkansas: Partial eclipse begins at 12:33 p.m. CT and totality at 1:51 p.m.
• Cleveland: Partial eclipse begins at 1:59 p.m. ET and totality at 3:13 p.m.
• Buffalo, New York: Partial eclipse begins at 2:04 p.m. ET and totality at 3:18 p.m.
• Lancaster, New Hampshire: Partial eclipse begins at 2:16 p.m. ET and totality at 3:27 p.m.

How to safely view a solar eclipse

It is never safe to gaze directly at the sun, even when it is partly or mostly covered by the moon. Special eclipse glasses or  pinhole projectors  are required to safely view solar eclipses and prevent eye damage. Failing to take the proper precautions can result in severe eye injury,  according to NASA .

Eclipse glasses are thousands of times darker than normal sunglasses and specially made to enable wearers to look at the sun during these kinds of celestial events.

Sky-watchers should also never view any part of the sun through binoculars, telescopes or camera lenses unless they have specific solar filters attached. Eclipse glasses should not be used with these devices, as they will not provide adequate protection.

However, during the few minutes of totality, when the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to look with the naked eye.

Beware of fake eclipse glasses. On legitimate pairs, the lenses should have a silver appearance on the front and be black on the inside. The manufacturer’s name and address should be clearly labeled, and they should not be torn or punctured. Check, as well, for the ISO logo and the code “IS 12312-2” printed on the inside.

If you don’t have eclipse glasses, you can make a homemade pinhole projector, which lets sunlight in through a small hole, focuses it and projects it onto a piece of paper, wall or other surface to create an image of the sun that is safe to look at. 

All you need is two pieces of white cardboard or plain white paper, aluminum foil and a pin or thumbtack. Cut a 1- to 2-inch square or rectangle out of the center of a piece of white paper or cardboard. Tape aluminum foil over that cut-out shape, then use a pin or thumbtack to poke a tiny hole in the foil.

During the eclipse, place a second piece of white paper or cardboard on the ground as a screen and hold the projector with the foil facing up and your back to the sun. Adjusting how far you hold the projector from the second piece of paper will alter the size of the image on the makeshift screen.

What to look for while viewing the total solar eclipse

For people along the path of totality, there are some fun milestones to keep track of as the total solar eclipse unfolds.

As the eclipse progresses and the sun gets thinner in the sky, it will start to get eerily dark, according to Tyson.

When the last beams of sunlight are about to become obscured, look out for the “diamond ring effect”: The sun’s atmosphere will appear as an illuminated halo, and the last light still visible will look like the diamond of a giant ring.

As the sunlight decreases even further, an effect known as Baily’s beads will be created by the moon’s rugged terrain. Tiny “beads” of light will be visible for only a few seconds around the dark moon, as the last bits of sunlight peer through the moon’s mountains and valleys.

When the moon is fully blocking the sun, it is safe to remove eclipse glasses and look at the total solar eclipse with the naked eye.

Some lucky sky-watchers may even catch a glimpse of a comet .

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks — nicknamed the “ devil comet ” because an eruption last year left it with two distinct trails of gas and ice in the shape of devil horns — is currently visible from the Northern Hemisphere as it swings through the inner solar system.

The comet can be seen in the early evenings by gazing toward the west-northwest horizon. During the eclipse, when skies darken during totality, it may be possible to see the comet near Jupiter, but its visibility will depend on whether it’s in the middle of an outburst and thus brighter than normal.

Most likely, all eyes will be on the alignment of the moon and sun.

“Most people won’t even notice,” Tyson said. “But if you know to look, it’s there.”

When is the next solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse will be in 2026, but it will mostly pass over the Arctic Ocean, with some visibility in Greenland, Iceland, Portugal and northern Spain. In 2027, a total solar eclipse will be visible in Spain and a swath of northern Africa.

The next total solar eclipse visible from North America will be in 2033, but only over Alaska. Then in 2044, a total solar eclipse will cross Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, parts of Canada and Greenland.

The next total solar eclipse to cross the continental U.S. coast-to-coast in will occur in 2045. The path of totality for that eclipse will cut through California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida.

Denise Chow is a reporter for NBC News Science focused on general science and climate change.

Lucas Thompson is a content producer for the NBC News Climate Unit.

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Can’t Find Eclipse Glasses? Here’s What to Do.

You can watch a projection of the eclipse using some common household items.

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By Katrina Miller

Reliable paper-framed glasses are by far the most popular option for safely watching the total solar eclipse on Monday. But they’ve gotten more difficult to find in some places ahead of the event.

If you’ve checked everywhere — your local planetarium, public library and even online — fear not: There is still a way to watch the eclipse safely, using items around the house. Here are a few options.

Use your hands

Palms up, position one hand over the other at a 90-degree angle. Open your fingers slightly in a waffle pattern, and allow sunlight to stream through the spaces onto the ground, or another surface. During the eclipse, you will see a projection of the moon obscuring the surface of the sun.

This method works with anything with holes, such as a straw hat, a strainer, a cheese grater or even a perforated spoon. You will also notice this effect when light from the partially eclipsed sun streams through leaves on a tree.

Set up a cardstock screen

For this option, you need a couple of white index cards or two sheets of cardstock paper. First, punch a small hole in the middle of one of the cards using a thumbtack or a pin.

Then, facing away from the sun, allow light to stream through this pinhole. Position the second card underneath to function as a screen. Adjust the spacing between the two cards to make the projection of the sun larger or smaller.

Make a box projector

If you’re up for a bit of crafting, you can make a more sophisticated pinhole projector . Start with a cardboard box — empty cereal boxes are often used, but you can use a larger box, too. You’ll also need scissors, white paper, tape, aluminum foil and a pin or thumbtack.

Cut the piece of paper to fit the inside bottom of the cardboard box to act as a screen. Use tape to hold it in place.

On the top of the box, cut two rectangular holes on either side. (The middle should be left intact — you can use tape to secure this if needed.)

Tape a piece of aluminum foil over one of the rectangular cutouts. Punch a tiny hole in the middle of the foil with the tack or pin. The other cutout will serve as a view hole.

With your back to the sun, position the foil side of the box over your shoulder, letting light stream through the pinhole. An image of the sun will project onto the screen at the bottom of the box, which you can see through the view hole. A bigger box will create a bigger image.

Enjoy the show through any of these makeshift pinholes. And remember, during totality, you can view the sun directly with your naked eye. But you should stop looking at the sun as soon as it reappears.

Katrina Miller is a science reporting fellow for The Times. She recently earned her Ph.D. in particle physics from the University of Chicago. More about Katrina Miller

Our Coverage of the Total Solar Eclipse

Anticipation and Anxiety Build:  Across parts of the United States, Mexico and Canada, would-be eclipse-gazers are on the move for what could be a once-in-a-lifetime event .

Awaiting a Moment of Awe:  Millions of people making plans to be in the path of the solar eclipse know it will be awe-inspiring. What is that feeling ?

The Eclipse Chaser:  A retired astrophysicist known as “Mr. Eclipse” joined “The Daily” to explain why these celestial phenomena are such a wonder to experience .

Historic Photos:  From astronomers with custom-built photographic equipment to groups huddled together with special glasses, here’s what solar eclipse-gazing has looked like for the past two centuries .

Hearing the Eclipse:  A device called LightSound is being distributed to help the blind and visually impaired experience what they can’t see .

Animal Reactions: Researchers will watch if animals at zoos, homes and farms act strangely  when day quickly turns to night.

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