distinct from zero

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "distinct from zero" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in mathematical or statistical contexts to indicate that a value is not equal to zero. Example: "In this equation, we need to ensure that the variable x is distinct from zero to avoid division by zero errors."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Science & Research

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Note that the model-offset population is significantly distinct from zero (p<0.001) while the data-offset population is not different from zero (p<0.05).

Nature

The INFAUNAL results indicated that 50 foraminifera picked from the 5 m pseudo-δ18Ocarbonate time series and 50 from the 55 m time series could resolve these depth-specific signals with a high probability (≥90%) and that the offset between the picked means of the idealized time series was significantly distinct from zero (p<0.001).

Nature

All archives failed the test with probabilities ≥70% that both carbon and oxygen stable isotopic offsets were not significantly distinct from zero thus corroborating our initial Welch t test outcomes and regression analysis that ss-sl couplets have statistically similar variability in stable isotopic composition.

Nature

However, this idealized population of offsets is significantly different than the ss-sl offset observed in the core-top and downcore δ18O data (p<0.001), the latter of which is not distinct from zero (p<0.05; Fig. 5). Figure 5: Data-Model Comparison of Simulated Offsets with Uncertainty Constraints.

Nature

However, all offsets produced by INFAUNAL between 5 and 35 m, 45 m, and 55 m are still significantly distinct from zero (p<0.001) and from the δ18O data (p<0.001), the latter of which is not significantly different from zero (we also tested this at 100 and 5000 Monte Carlo simulations and obtained the same outcome).

Nature

The difference was negligible and not statistically distinct from zero.

Forest Ecosystems

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

The Croatian dialects are quite distinct from one another.

The Economist

Cells in the same brain are, indeed, genetically distinct from one another.

The New Yorker

It clearly distinguishes Prism, which involves data collection from servers, as distinct from four different programs involving data collection from "fiber cables and infrastructure as data flows past".

The Guardian

Yet the cloture rule requires sixty votes — that absolute number, as distinct from sixty per cent or three-fifths — to end debate.

The New Yorker

These groups, while distinct from one another, were also quite separate from transient agriculturalists present in many estates.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing statistical results, clearly state the significance level (p-value) associated with the determination that a value is "distinct from zero".

Common error

Avoid assuming that a value being statistically "distinct from zero" automatically implies practical importance. A small difference might be statistically significant with a large sample size but have little real-world effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "distinct from zero" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun (often 'value', 'offset', 'coefficient', etc.). It describes a state where a particular quantity is demonstrably not equal to zero. Examples from Ludwig showcase its usage in scientific research.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

Science & Research

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "distinct from zero" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that a value is not equal to zero, predominantly used within scientific and academic contexts. Ludwig confirms that this phrase accurately conveys that a measured value or calculated result differs meaningfully from a baseline of zero. When using this phrase, as Ludwig examples suggest, it's important to specify the statistical significance to ensure the reader understands the strength of the evidence supporting the claim.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

significantly different from zero

Emphasizes the statistical significance of the difference.

not equal to zero

A direct and mathematically precise alternative.

non-zero value

Focuses on the value itself being different than zero.

differs from zero

A more general way of saying it is not the same as zero.

statistically different from zero

More formal, indicating statistical divergence.

above zero

Indicates a value greater than zero.

below zero

Indicates a value less than zero.

deviates from zero

Highlights a deviation or departure from zero.

a value other than zero

Expands on the concept to highlight that zero isn't the value in question.

not approximately zero

Emphasizes the level of precision.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "distinct from zero"?

The phrase "distinct from zero" is appropriate in contexts where you need to emphasize that a value is not equal to zero, particularly in mathematical, statistical, or scientific discussions. It's often used when zero represents a null hypothesis or a baseline value.

What are some alternatives to saying "distinct from zero"?

Alternatives include phrases like "significantly different from zero", "not equal to zero", or "non-zero value", depending on the level of formality and the specific context.

Is there a difference between "distinct from zero" and "different from zero"?

While "distinct from zero" and "different from zero" are largely interchangeable, "distinct from zero" can sometimes carry a slightly stronger emphasis on the clear and unambiguous separation from zero, especially in technical contexts.

How do I determine if a value is statistically "distinct from zero"?

Statistical tests, such as t-tests or z-tests, can be used to determine if a sample mean is statistically "distinct from zero". The p-value from these tests indicates the probability of observing the data if the true mean were zero. A low p-value (typically below 0.05) suggests that the value is statistically "distinct from zero".