almost nil

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost nil" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quantity or likelihood that is very close to zero or negligible. Example: "The chances of rain tomorrow are almost nil, so we can plan our outdoor event without worry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Your visibility is almost nil," Blume said.

The New York Times

But their popular effect is almost nil.

The New Yorker

Now, "the foot traffic is almost nil".

The New York Times

The unemployment rate along the corridor is almost nil.

The New York Times

The chances of our escaping were almost nil.

The New York Times

But the support of the arts has been almost nil.

The New York Times - Arts

Our understanding of what it's like to operate near an asteroid is almost nil.

The New Yorker

From February to July -- the war and its immediate aftermath -- tourism dropped to almost nil.

The New York Times

The results indicated that Lebed's chances for the Presidency were almost nil, but he ran anyway.

The New Yorker

Yet contingency planning done collectively by the North's neighbours and the United States is almost nil.

The Economist

In rich countries the prospect of the general population succumbing to AIDS is now almost nil.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "almost nil" to emphasize a near-zero quantity or probability, adding a touch of formality suitable for news reports and scientific articles. For example: "The risk of complications is "almost nil".

Common error

While "almost nil" is widely understood, avoid using it excessively in casual conversation or informal writing, as simpler alternatives like "next to nothing" or "hardly any" may sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost nil" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It signifies a quantity, degree, or probability that is very close to zero. As Ludwig AI points out, this expression is deemed grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

4%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "almost nil" is a grammatically correct and widely used adjectival phrase that signifies something is very close to zero. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English. It commonly appears in formal contexts such as news reports, scientific articles, and encyclopedias. While it effectively conveys near absence or insignificance, simpler alternatives may be preferable in informal settings. Top sources include The New York Times, The Guardian, and The New Yorker, underlining its acceptance in authoritative publications. When writing, consider if this formal tone fits your writing purpose, or if a simpler phrasing is more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

virtually nonexistent

Emphasizes the nonexistence of something to a very high degree.

practically zero

Indicates something is so close to zero as to make no practical difference.

next to nothing

Suggests a very small amount, close to zero.

scarcely any

Implies a very small quantity or number, almost none.

hardly any

Similar to scarcely any, indicating a minimal amount.

vanishingly small

Highlights the extremely small size or likelihood of something.

close to zero

Directly states that something is nearing zero in quantity or value.

negligible

Describes something as so small or unimportant that it can be disregarded.

imperceptible

Indicates that something is so slight it is difficult to perceive or detect.

effectively absent

Suggests something's absence has almost the same effect as if was completely absent.

FAQs

How can I use "almost nil" in a sentence?

You can use "almost nil" to describe something that is close to zero in quantity, effect, or probability. For example: "The impact of the new policy was "almost nil".

What phrases can I use instead of "almost nil"?

You can use alternatives like "virtually nonexistent", "practically zero", or "next to nothing" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "almost nil"?

Yes, the phrase "almost nil" is a correct and accepted expression in English to indicate a very small quantity or probability.

What is the difference between "almost nil" and "negligible"?

While both phrases suggest something is insignificant, "almost nil" implies a quantity very close to zero, whereas "negligible" suggests something is so small it can be safely ignored.