Next to nothing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Next to nothing" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is very little or almost nothing at all. Example: "After paying all my bills, I had next to nothing left for savings this month."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Next to nothing went on in 2008".

The New York Times

"Next to nothing.

The New York Times - Sports

"Next to nothing" didn't help him.

The New York Times

Next to nothing of it is likely to become law.

The Economist

Next to nothing happens.

Wikipedia

In 2015 it will be next to nothing.

The Economist

Entitlements "consume" next to nothing.

The Economist

For me, it's next to nothing.

The New Yorker

He charges next to nothing in expenses.

Independent

Equally important, delivery costs next to nothing.

The Economist

Money market funds pay next to nothing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "next to nothing", consider whether a more precise quantification (e.g., "almost zero", "less than 1%") would be more effective in your context.

Common error

Avoid using "next to nothing" when you actually mean a small but still considerable amount. The phrase implies near-total absence, so ensure it accurately reflects the situation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "next to nothing" is as a quantifier, indicating a minimal or negligible amount. It modifies nouns or pronouns to express that very little of something exists or is present. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "next to nothing" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is virtually absent or extremely minimal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used in news and media contexts to emphasize the insignificance of an amount or degree. While suitable for general use, writers should ensure it accurately reflects the situation and consider more precise alternatives for formal or technical writing. Related phrases include "almost nothing" and "virtually nothing", offering slight variations in emphasis. By understanding the nuances of "next to nothing", you can effectively convey the intended meaning in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Almost nothing

Direct synonym, emphasizing the near absence of something.

Virtually nothing

Similar to "almost nothing", highlighting the insignificance.

Hardly anything

Indicates a very small quantity or degree.

Barely anything

Suggests a minimal presence or effect.

Next to zero

Emphasizes the numerical insignificance.

Practically nil

Uses "nil" to denote nothingness.

Scarcely anything

Highlights the rarity or lack of something.

Almost nonexistent

Focuses on the lack of existence.

A negligible amount

Emphasizes that the amount is so small it's not worth considering.

A trifling quantity

Uses "trifling" to suggest something insignificant.

FAQs

What does "next to nothing" mean?

The phrase "next to nothing" means very little or almost nothing. It's used to emphasize the insignificance or near absence of something.

What can I say instead of "next to nothing"?

You can use alternatives like "almost nothing", "virtually nothing", or "hardly anything" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "next to nothing"?

Yes, "next to nothing" is a correct and commonly used idiom in English to describe a very small amount or degree.

Can "next to nothing" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "next to nothing" can be used in formal writing, although alternatives like "negligible amount" might be preferred for a more precise or technical tone.