effectively zero

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "effectively zero" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quantity or value that is so small that it can be considered as zero for practical purposes. Example: "The chances of rain tomorrow are effectively 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

60 human-written examples

As such, the scheme's effects will be effectively zero for jobseekers, though some litter will get picked up".

The Guardian

Its supply price is effectively zero.

Britannica

Effectively zero interest rates are creating distortions in capital markets.

The New York Times

For most values, the transition probability is effectively zero.

Encyclopedia Britannica

City's transfer budget, despite a more secure financial footing, remained effectively zero.

The Guardian - Sport

Any public health gain seems so marginal as to be effectively zero.

The Guardian

The chances that a Zuma government can stop the bleeding are effectively zero.

The New Yorker

They found that the system's risk of making aberrant cuts was effectively zero.

Harvard University

And in most other parts of the world, it's effectively zero.

Nature

The problem is that the price placed on ecosystems and biodiversity is effectively zero.

The Guardian

However slim the chances for a comprehensive peace agreement were in the nineteen-nineties, today they are effectively zero.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "effectively zero", ensure the context clearly indicates that the quantity is small enough to be disregarded for practical purposes. For example, "The risk of side effects is effectively zero, so the treatment is considered safe."

Common error

Avoid using "effectively zero" when absolute precision is required. The phrase implies a negligible amount, not a complete absence. If the quantity must be exactly zero, state that explicitly. Using "effectively zero" in those cases may mislead the audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "effectively zero" functions as a descriptive term, modifying a noun to indicate that its value or impact is negligible or practically nonexistent. Ludwig AI provides examples from varied sources, highlighting its role in quantifying minimal presence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

39%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "effectively zero" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a quantity or possibility that is so small as to be negligible. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it functions descriptively, serving to minimize the importance of a given factor in various contexts, predominantly within News & Media and Scientific domains. While versatile and frequently encountered, it's crucial to avoid using it where absolute precision is required, as it implies near absence rather than complete absence. Its neutrality makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication, provided the context supports this interpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

virtually non-existent

Emphasizes the near absence of something, highlighting that it's so small it's practically not there.

practically nil

Indicates a quantity that is almost nothing, focusing on its insignificance.

almost nonexistent

Stresses the close-to-nothing nature of something, pointing out its rarity or lack of presence.

tantamount to nothing

Highlights that something is so small that it has no practical effect or value.

as good as none

Emphasizes the ineffectiveness of something due to its minimal presence or impact.

next to nothing

Indicates a small quantity or degree, suggesting that it's barely measurable or noticeable.

for all practical purposes zero

Highlights a scenario, in which even though the entity exists the real impact is almost null.

barely any

Suggests a minimal amount of something, focusing on its scarcity.

negligible

Indicates that something is so small or unimportant that it can be disregarded.

inconsequential

Implies that something has no significant impact or effect, making it unimportant.

FAQs

How can I use "effectively zero" in a sentence?

Use "effectively zero" to describe a quantity or value that is so small that it can be considered as zero for practical purposes. For example, "The chances of rain tomorrow are effectively zero, so we can plan our outdoor event without worry."

What are some alternatives to "effectively zero"?

You can use alternatives like "virtually non-existent", "practically nil", or "almost nonexistent" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "effectively zero" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when describing quantities that are negligible in scientific, business, or academic contexts. Ensure the meaning is clear and the context supports the usage.

What's the difference between "effectively zero" and "absolutely zero"?

"Effectively zero" implies a value is so small it can be disregarded, while "absolutely zero" means there is none. For instance, "The error rate is effectively zero" suggests it's very low, not necessarily nonexistent. If it's actually without error, say "The error rate is absolutely zero".