is almost zero

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is almost zero" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is close to having no value or significance. Example: "The chances of winning the lottery are almost zero."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The number is almost zero".

The Guardian - Business

"I believe it is almost zero years.

The New Yorker

"The direct impact of a Greek default is almost zero," Mr. Dimon said.

The New York Times

"Globally, the response of the international community is almost zero," he told the Guardian.

The Guardian

And, in true Eurovision tradition, there is almost zero chemistry between them.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The rate of success on appeals on these type of disciplinary panels is almost zero.

The Guardian - Tech

Since the cost of digital distribution is almost zero, the thinking goes, cinemas ought to gamble on more obscure products.

The Economist

"It's interesting to note that for ISAs, where there's private competition, NS&I's market share is almost zero".

The Economist

ONE of the many things Elhaam Yavari and Mat Steel have in common is almost zero body fat.

The New York Times

"I'm interested in guns because there is almost zero possibility that I could touch a gun in China," she said.

The New Yorker

I can understand the fans' dream but the chance of anyone competing for all three is almost zero".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is almost zero" to describe probabilities, quantities, or effects that are so small they are practically insignificant. For emphasis, follow with a clarifying statement about the context, for example, "The risk is almost zero, so immediate action isn't necessary."

Common error

Avoid using "is almost zero" when the value is simply low but still consequential. Instead, use descriptive terms like "low", "minimal", or "reduced". For example, if a slight chance remains, it's more accurate to say "the risk is low" rather than "the risk is almost zero".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is almost zero" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a subject by describing its state or quantity. It indicates that the subject's value or amount is extremely close to zero but not exactly zero, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

59%

News & Media

36%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is almost zero" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something that is close to having no value or significance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a versatile expression used across different contexts, especially in science and news media. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the degree of insignificance you want to convey and whether a more precise term like "low" or "minimal" might be more appropriate. While there are several alternatives, like "is virtually nonexistent" or "is practically nil", the best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is virtually nonexistent

Emphasizes the near absence or nonexistence of something.

is practically nil

Indicates a negligible or insignificant amount.

is close to nothing

Directly states the proximity to a zero value.

is near zero

Simple and straightforward way to express a value approaching zero.

is negligibly small

Highlights the extremely small size or impact of something.

approaches zero

Focuses on the process of becoming closer to zero.

tends to zero

Similar to approaching zero, suggesting a directional trend.

is effectively zero

Suggests that for practical purposes, the value can be considered zero.

is as good as zero

Implies the value is so low that it's equivalent to zero in effect.

is bordering on zero

Indicates the value is very close to being zero.

FAQs

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

You can use "is almost zero" to describe something that has a value or probability that is very close to nothing. For example: "The chance of that happening "is almost zero"."

What phrases are similar to "is almost zero"?

Similar phrases include "is virtually nonexistent", "is practically nil", and "is close to nothing". The best alternative depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "is almost zero" or "is zero"?

"Is zero" implies there is absolutely none of something, while "is almost zero" suggests a quantity so small that it's practically negligible. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the situation.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "is almost zero"?

Avoid using "is almost zero" if there's a non-negligible chance or quantity, as it could mislead the audience. Use it only when the value is so insignificant it has little to no practical impact. Consider alternatives such as "very low" or "minimal" instead.