equal to zero

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "equal to zero" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a value, quantity, or expression that is the same as zero. For example: "The result of the equation was equal to zero."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For example, when t is equal to zero it starts at the point one, zero.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

So, that means we set dx equal to zero.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And so every other value here is equal to zero.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

So, that means we set dy equal to zero.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

So actually, we set this equal to zero.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

And what about y? y is just 0. I will set y equal to zero and also dy equal to zero.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

These are 2D images whose pixels indicates which data are to be removed (pixels equal to zero) or included (pixels not equal to zero).

Harvard University

The lowest entry in the population or 1-HDI data (population or HDI equal to zero) takes a normalized value equal to zero.

Nature

MP 4..3 Why is the work done equal to zero in the free expansion?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

It means that setting derivative equal to zero implies you are at max.

Yale University

And, we do that by differentiating the constraint equation, and setting da equal to zero.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In mathematical or scientific writing, always ensure the context clearly defines the units or scale when stating something is "equal to zero". This avoids ambiguity and ensures precise communication.

Common error

Avoid using "equal to zero" when you mean a value is very small or tending towards zero. "Approaching zero" is more appropriate when describing limits or asymptotic behavior, while "equal to zero" signifies an exact nullity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "equal to zero" functions as a predicate adjective within a sentence, describing a noun's state or condition. Based on Ludwig AI, this phrase signifies that a value or quantity is precisely zero, indicating a null state or absence of quantity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

58%

Academia

38%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "equal to zero" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote that something has a value of zero. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most commonly found in academic and scientific contexts where precision is paramount. While semantically simple, understanding its accurate use is vital to avoid ambiguity, especially when distinguishing it from terms like "approaching zero". Remember, while alternatives exist, the key is choosing the phrasing that best suits the specific context and intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

identical to zero

Emphasizes the exact match to zero, highlighting the lack of any difference.

equivalent to zero

Indicates that the value is functionally the same as zero within a specific context.

zero value

Directly refers to a quantity that is numerically zero.

amounts to zero

Highlights that the final result or total reaches zero after calculation or process.

results in zero

Highlights the outcome of a process or calculation, indicating the end value is zero.

null value

Denotes the absence of a meaningful value, often used in computing and data analysis.

set to zero

Indicates an action of assigning the value zero to a variable or parameter.

approaches zero

Suggests a limit tending towards zero but not necessarily reaching it.

is negligible

Implies that the value is so small it can be effectively treated as zero.

vanishes completely

Emphasizes the disappearance or total elimination of a quantity, resulting in zero.

FAQs

How do I use "equal to zero" in a sentence?

Use "equal to zero" to indicate that a value, quantity, or expression is the same as zero. For example, "The derivative is "equal to zero" at the maximum point."

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

Alternatives include "identical to zero", "equivalent to zero", or "amounts to zero", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "equals to zero"?

No, the correct phrasing is "equal to zero". "Equals" is a verb, while "equal" is an adjective that describes the state of being zero.

What is the difference between "equal to zero" and "close to zero"?

"Equal to zero" means the value is exactly zero. "Close to zero" implies the value is near zero but not necessarily zero. For instance, in calculations, a rounding error might lead to a value "close to zero" but not exactly "equal to zero".