Writing · Free lesson
Web English: write a helpful no-results message
The search completed successfully, but it found no matching items. A blank page leaves the user wondering whether to wait, try again or report a problem. A short, accurate message can answer that question.
Professor Scott MendozaThe short answer
Name what did not match: No items match “travel mug.” Then offer a supported action: Try a different search term. This describes this search, not the whole catalog.
Describe the result within its search scope.
Match means fit the search condition. No items match this search is narrower than There are no items: the catalog may contain other items. Use no before a plural noun, as in no results, or use did not find with an object. After try, a noun phrase works well: Try a different keyword. Offer an action the interface actually supports. A successful search with zero matches is different from a search that could not run. Do not call it a system error unless that is known.
Compare the examples
No items match “travel mug.”
Try a different search term.
We couldn’t complete your search. Please try again.
Use the failure example only when the search could not complete. Zero matches alone does not prove a connection problem or an invalid search.
Build the meaning step by step
Name the scope
No items match “travel mug.”
Offer an available action
Try a different search term.
Avoid an unsupported diagnosis
No matches does not mean the catalog is broken.
Try it now
Choose the accurate message
Read all answers and explanations
The catalog contains items, but none match this query. Which message is accurate?
No items match your search.Your search limits the claim to the current query.
Users can edit their keywords. Which next step fits?
Try a different search term.It offers a supported action without inventing a cause or promising success.
The search could not complete because the service failed. Which wording fits that supplied fact?
We couldn’t complete your search.An incomplete search cannot establish whether items match.
Put it into practice
Replace the misleading empty state
A completed catalog search for “travel mug” returns zero matches. The user can edit the search term. No service failure is known. Choose the accurate replacement.
Error: You searched incorrectly. Nothing exists.
See a model answer
No items match “travel mug.” Try a different search term.
State the known result, then a practical action; do not add a diagnosis.
A little more clarity
Common questions
A few useful details before you move on.
Is Nothing found always wrong?
No. It can be understandable in context, but naming the search scope and a useful next action often makes the message clearer.
No documents match “budget 2027.” Try a different keyword.
Can I suggest clearing filters?
Yes, when filters are active and the interface lets users clear them. Do not suggest controls that are not available.
No items match these filters. Clear a filter to broaden your search.
Take it into your day
No matches describes this search; add one supported next action.
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