are bordering on zero

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are bordering on zero" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or quantity that is very close to zero, often implying that it is almost negligible or insignificant. Example: "The chances of success for this project are bordering on zero, given the lack of resources and support."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Obviously, this expense should be bordering on zero, as should, say, paying for network construction that isn't being done or 'corporate operations'.

HuffPost

Mr. Nielson, 42, owns Nielson Hardware in Point Roberts, Wash., a quiet town about 100 miles northwest of Seattle that is bordered on three sides by ocean and on one side by Canada.

The New York Times - Tech

The right-wingers were bordered on three sides by angry counter-protesters who outnumbered them ten to one.

Vice

This house is bordered on two sides by a ranch.

The New York Times

It is bordered on three sides by Wales.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Dinosaur is bordered on three sides by land that could be allocated for oil shale.

The New York Times

Maplewood is bordered on three sides by Newark, Irvington and Union, which are heavily black and largely poor.

The New York Times - Magazine

Inspired by tribal villages, the picturesque resort is bordered on two sides by the Kabini river.

The Guardian - Travel

The house was bordered on two sides by a 30-acre horse farm, so the views were so soothing.

The New York Times

Warsaw's new national football stadium is bordered on three sides by the River Vistula, flood land and a park.

The Guardian - Travel

Beyond the mountains of the Minho is Trás-os-Montes, which is bordered on two sides by Spain.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are bordering on zero" to describe situations where a value or quantity is nearly nonexistent or has minimal impact. This phrasing adds emphasis and nuance compared to simply stating "are zero".

Common error

Avoid using "are bordering on zero" in highly formal or technical writing where more precise language is expected. In such contexts, consider using more specific numerical values or terms like "negligible" or "insignificant".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are bordering on zero" functions as a predicate describing a state of near non-existence or insignificance. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically sound, characterizing a situation where something is almost, but not quite, zero.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are bordering on zero" is a grammatically correct expression used to convey that a value or probability is nearly nonexistent. While Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical validity, it's important to consider the context. As an example, in academic texts, be mindful that more specific language might be more appropriate. While sources range from news media to encyclopedias, the phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for various discussions, emphasizing minimal impact or quantity. Consider related options like "are nearly zero" or "are approaching zero" for nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are nearing zero

Replaces "bordering" with "nearing", suggesting a closer approach to zero.

are approaching zero

Uses "approaching" instead of "bordering", conveying a gradual movement towards zero.

are close to zero

Simplifies the phrase to indicate proximity to zero.

are virtually zero

Emphasizes that the quantity is almost nonexistent.

are practically zero

Similar to "virtually zero", highlighting the near absence of something.

are almost nonexistent

Rephrases to focus on the lack of existence.

are tending toward zero

Implies a trend or direction towards zero.

are dwindling to zero

Suggests a reduction or decrease until reaching zero.

are becoming negligible

Highlights the insignificance of the quantity.

are reaching insignificance

Focuses on the state of becoming insignificant.

FAQs

How can I use "are bordering on zero" in a sentence?

You can use "are bordering on zero" to describe quantities or probabilities that are very close to nothing. For example: "The chances of that happening "are bordering on zero"."

What can I say instead of "are bordering on zero"?

You can use alternatives like "are nearly zero", "are almost nonexistent", or "are approaching zero" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "are bordering on zero" or "are zero"?

"Are zero" indicates a complete absence, while "are bordering on zero" suggests a quantity is extremely small but not quite zero. The appropriate choice depends on the precise meaning you intend to convey.

What's the difference between "are bordering on zero" and "are close to zero"?

"Are bordering on zero" implies a higher degree of nearness to zero than "are close to zero". The former suggests the value is almost at the point of being zero, while the latter simply indicates proximity.