is almost nil

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is almost nil" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is very close to zero or negligible in quantity or degree. Example: "The chance of rain tomorrow is almost nil, so we can plan our outdoor event without worry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

"Your visibility is almost nil," Blume said.

The New York Times

But their popular effect is almost nil.

The New Yorker

Now, "the foot traffic is almost nil".

The New York Times

The unemployment rate along the corridor is almost nil.

The New York Times

Our understanding of what it's like to operate near an asteroid is almost nil.

The New Yorker

Yet contingency planning done collectively by the North's neighbours and the United States is almost nil.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

The chances of our escaping were almost nil.

The New York Times

But the support of the arts has been almost nil.

The New York Times - Arts

In state offices turnover was almost nil in this week's elections.

The New York Times

The odds on them all being there this time next year are almost nil.

The Guardian

"My expectations were almost nil coming in, to tell you the truth.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is almost nil" to emphasize the insignificance of a quantity or probability. It's more impactful than saying something is simply "low" or "small".

Common error

While grammatically correct, "is almost nil" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler phrases like "is barely there" or "is next to nothing" to maintain a conversational tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is almost nil" functions as a predicative adjective phrase, modifying a noun or subject to indicate that its quantity, probability, or effect is close to zero. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use across various domains, such as describing visibility, unemployment rates, and scientific value.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is almost nil" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that something is close to zero or nonexistent. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, showcasing numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal contexts, where its precise meaning and impact can be fully appreciated. Alternatives such as "is virtually nonexistent" and "is practically zero" offer similar meanings with slight variations in tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is virtually nonexistent

Emphasizes the lack of existence in a more absolute way.

is effectively nonexistent

Similar to virtually nonexistent, but adds an element of pragmatic consideration.

is practically zero

Focuses on the numerical aspect, indicating a value very close to zero.

is nearly absent

Highlights the lack of presence or availability.

is verging on nonexistence

Captures the almost non existent or missing value of something.

is hardly any

Indicates a very small amount or degree.

is borderline negligible

Highlights the insignificance of the subject to the point of being unworthy of consideration.

is close to nothing

Suggests a minimal quantity that is almost insignificant.

is as good as none

Implies that the existing amount is functionally equivalent to zero.

is substantially reduced

Suggests the quantity was diminished almost entirely.

FAQs

How can I use "is almost nil" in a sentence?

The phrase "is almost nil" is used to describe something that is very close to zero or nonexistent. For example: "The risk of complications /s/is+almost+nil" after the surgery.

What's a more formal alternative to "is almost nil"?

A more formal alternative would be "is virtually nonexistent" or "is effectively zero".

Is it correct to say "the chances are almost nil"?

Yes, "the chances are almost nil" is a correct and commonly used expression to indicate that the probability of something happening is very low.

What's the difference between "is almost nil" and "is negligible"?

"Is almost nil" suggests something is very close to zero, while "is negligible" means something is so small or unimportant that it can be disregarded. "Is negligible" has a stronger sense of irrelevance.