are virtually zero

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are virtually zero" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is extremely low or close to nonexistent. Example: "The chances of rain tomorrow are virtually zero, so we can plan our outdoor event without worry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

But today short-term rates are virtually zero.

The Economist

Why, it may be asked, when interest rates are virtually zero?

The Economist

Current levels of gene flow are virtually zero between the western and eastern CFR.

Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution

Software has a natural affinity with blitzscaling, because the marginal costs of serving any size market are virtually zero.

Harvard Business Review

Generally speaking, if you have any adverse marks on your credit file, then the chances of obtaining the low advertised rates are virtually zero.

The Guardian - Money

According to Mr. Schoell, the Cyclone engine burns fuel at atmospheric pressure, so combustion temperatures are relatively low and NOx emissions are virtually zero.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

But their margin for error is virtually zero.

The New York Times

Lendwithcare says the default rate is virtually zero.

The Guardian - Money

For the last three months, analysts said, growth has been virtually zero.

The New York Times

The Federal Reserve's target overnight interest rate is virtually zero.

The New York Times

The return on cash is many countries is virtually zero.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are virtually zero", ensure the context clearly supports the idea of near non-existence. This phrase is most effective when emphasizing the insignificance of a quantity or possibility.

Common error

Avoid using "are virtually zero" when there is still a notable, even if small, presence. Using it incorrectly can mislead your audience and weaken the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are virtually zero" functions as a quantifying adjective phrase. It modifies a noun (often implied or stated) to indicate that the quantity or likelihood is almost nonexistent. Ludwig examples show this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are virtually zero" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is almost nonexistent, as confirmed by Ludwig. It is most frequently used in news, scientific, and formal business contexts to emphasize the insignificance of a quantity or probability. While versatile, it's important to ensure the context accurately reflects the intended meaning of near-absence. Consider alternatives like "are almost nonexistent" or "are nearly absent" for slight variations in emphasis. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its application across diverse scenarios, reinforcing its validity and usefulness in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are almost nonexistent

Emphasizes complete absence more strongly.

are nearly absent

Focuses on the lack of presence.

are practically nil

Uses a more informal term to indicate nothingness.

are effectively zero

Highlights the practical result being equivalent to zero.

are close to nothing

Simplifies the expression to a more basic form.

are as good as nonexistent

Indicates that something might exist in theory but not in practice.

are bordering on nonexistence

Suggests that something is nearly at the point of not existing.

are marginally present

Emphasizes how little something is present.

are substantially reduced

Focuses on the reduction to a minimal level.

scarcely exist

Indicates existence is rare and minimal.

FAQs

How can I use "are virtually zero" in a sentence?

You can use "are virtually zero" to emphasize that something is almost nonexistent. For example, "The chances of finding a person on a public bus who has Ebola "are virtually zero"."

What can I say instead of "are virtually zero"?

Alternatives include "are almost nonexistent", "are nearly absent", or "are practically nil", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "are virtually zero" in formal writing?

Yes, "are virtually zero" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing statistics, probabilities, or quantities. However, ensure the level of formality matches the overall tone of your piece.

What's the difference between "are virtually zero" and "are actually zero"?

"Are virtually zero" implies a quantity is so small it's almost nonexistent, while "are actually zero" means there is absolutely none. The subtle difference is important for accuracy.