are next to none

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are next to none" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is of very high quality or that there are very few, if any, comparable items or individuals. Example: "The customer service at this hotel is next to none, making every guest feel valued and appreciated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

There are next to none behind the late 19th- and early 20th-century brownstones of the Upper West Side and Harlem.

The New York Times

The Italian striker's chances of staying at Anfield are next to none after manager Brendan Rodgers left him out of the squad for the pre-season tour in Asia and Australia.

Independent

And even if you don't eat those things, unless you exercise heavily in hot weather or get a flu that makes you vomit nonstop, your chances of not getting enough salt are next to none.

The New York Times

The downloads are fast, the audio is of good quality, there is no waiting, and most important, the odds of ending up with a virus that will destroy a teenager's homework folder are next to none.

The New York Times - Arts

There is a lack of nuance when it comes to teaching about fertility which means that many young people worry about pregnancy risks even when there are next to none.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Even his only rival, Hamdeen Sabahi will tell you his chances of winning are next to none.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"But there were next to none hired as mechanics".

The New York Times

The chance of a party this year is next to none.

The New York Times - Sports

Of patriotic self-control on Monday there was next to none.

Independent

Her chances of evading capture and termination were next to none.

The Guardian - Books

The durability of Costello's international respect is next to none.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are next to none" to emphasize the rarity or exceptional quality of something. It works well when highlighting a unique characteristic or capability.

Common error

Avoid using "are next to none" when describing something that is merely 'good' or 'above average'. This phrase should be reserved for situations where the subject truly stands out due to its scarcity or excellence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are next to none" functions as an adjective phrase, typically used to describe the rarity, absence, or exceptional quality of a noun. As Ludwig AI confirms, it suggests that something is either almost nonexistent or of the highest caliber.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are next to none" is a valuable tool for writers aiming to emphasize scarcity or exceptional quality. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It's particularly prevalent in news and media, as well as wiki contexts, indicating its versatility across different domains. To use it effectively, reserve it for situations where you want to highlight something truly unique or rare. While similar alternatives like "are virtually nonexistent" exist, "are next to none" remains a potent way to convey a sense of unparalleled excellence or near absence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are virtually nonexistent

Emphasizes the almost complete absence of something, slightly stronger than "are next to none".

are almost nonexistent

Similar to "are virtually nonexistent", highlighting the scarcity of something.

are practically nonexistent

Indicates that something is so rare as to be considered absent.

are nearly absent

Focuses on the lack of presence, rather than quality or comparison.

are few and far between

Describes something that occurs rarely and is widely dispersed.

are hardly any

A more informal way of expressing scarcity.

are thin on the ground

Suggests a low density or availability of something.

are like hen's teeth

An idiomatic expression for something extremely rare.

are in short supply

Focuses on the limited availability of something, often due to demand.

are unusual

A weaker statement, simply indicating that something is uncommon.

FAQs

How can I use "are next to none" in a sentence?

You can use "are next to none" to emphasize the exceptional quality or rarity of something. For example, "The chances of winning the lottery are next to none" or "Their customer service skills are next to none".

What phrases are similar to "are next to none"?

Similar phrases include "are virtually nonexistent", "are almost nonexistent", or "are few and far between". These alternatives convey a similar meaning of scarcity or exceptional quality.

Is it more formal to use "are next to none" or "are second to none"?

Both "are next to none" and "are second to none" are suitable for formal contexts. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you wish to convey. "Are second to none" often emphasizes superiority, while "are next to none" emphasizes rarity or near absence.

Can I use "is next to none" instead of "are next to none"?

Yes, you can use "is next to none" when referring to a singular subject. For example, "His dedication is next to none" is grammatically correct. The plural form, "are next to none", is used for plural subjects.