close to zero

USAGE SUMMARY

'close to zero' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a quantity or amount that is almost nothing, or very small. For example, "The interest rate is close to zero right now."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Close to zero.

The Guardian

Humidity drops very close to zero.

The New Yorker

DEXTER FILKINS: Pretty close to zero, unfortunately.

The New Yorker

Now, that figure is close to zero.

The New York Times

It should be very close to zero.

The New York Times

Lord Stern uses a rate close to zero.

The Economist

"We are very close to zero.

The Guardian - Business

"Personal security was close to zero.

The New York Times

"Gazprom transparency is close to zero.

The New York Times

But instead, actually Europe has gone pretty close to zero.

Columbia University

The first was to slash interest rates close to zero.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "close to zero", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being measured and why its proximity to zero is significant. For example: "The error rate was close to zero, indicating high precision."

Common error

Avoid using "close to zero" when you mean an absolute absence of something. "Close to zero" implies a small, but non-zero, quantity. Use "zero" or "none" for absolute absence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "close to zero" functions as a quantifier, modifying a noun to indicate that the quantity is very small, almost nonexistent. Ludwig shows its frequent usage across diverse contexts, supporting its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "close to zero" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something is nearly nonexistent or minimal. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability across various contexts, including news, science, and business. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. While alternatives like "effectively zero" or "negligible amount" exist, "close to zero" remains a clear and common choice. Remember to use it when describing quantities that are small but not entirely absent, as misinterpreting it as absolute zero is a common error.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

effectively zero

Emphasizes the practical result is the same as zero.

virtually zero

Highlights that the quantity is so small it's as good as zero.

near zero

Indicates a state that is in proximity to zero.

almost nonexistent

Focuses on the lack of presence or existence.

negligible amount

Stresses the insignificance of the quantity.

vanishingly small

Implies the quantity is diminishing towards zero.

practically nil

Uses a more informal term, 'nil', to indicate zero.

approaching zero

Suggests a trend where the value is getting closer to zero.

next to nothing

An idiomatic expression meaning a very small amount.

scarcely any

Highlights the lack of something, implying a quantity near zero.

FAQs

How can I use "close to zero" in a sentence?

You can use "close to zero" to describe something that is nearly nonexistent or minimal. For example, "The probability of that happening is "effectively zero"".

What's the difference between "close to zero" and "effectively zero"?

"Close to zero" indicates a value is near zero but not precisely zero. "Effectively zero" suggests the outcome is the same as if it were zero, even if a small amount exists.

What can I say instead of "close to zero"?

You can use alternatives like "virtually zero", "near zero", or "negligible amount" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "close to zero" in formal writing?

Yes, "close to zero" is appropriate in formal writing, particularly in scientific, technical, or economic contexts, where precise measurements are discussed. The alternatives ""effectively zero"" or "negligible amount" are also suitable.