is effectively zero

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is effectively zero" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate that a value or quantity is so small that it can be considered as zero for practical purposes. Example: "In this experiment, the margin of error is effectively zero, allowing us to trust the results completely."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Its supply price is effectively zero.

Britannica

For most values, the transition probability is effectively zero.

Encyclopedia Britannica

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

The Guardian

h0 is effectively zero for a porous plate but may be more than a meter for large tuyeres.

Chemical Engineering Science

For all intents and purposes, this implies a social rate of discount that is effectively zero, implying almost equal weight to all generations.

The New York Times

Because the supply of land is fixed, the supply price of land is effectively zero and the whole of its return is rent.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

The IMF is effectively two institutions.

The Guardian - Business

One challenge posed by this opera is that it is effectively two operas: peace and war.

The New York Times - Arts

It is effectively two villages, a Bedouin village in the south and the administrative center in the north.

The New York Times

Leaders across Europe say the vote is effectively one about whether or not Greece wants to stay in the euro.

Independent

While still fifth, they are now six points behind Liverpool and with such an inferior goal difference it is effectively seven.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is effectively zero", ensure the context clearly indicates why the value is being treated as zero, such as due to negligible impact or practical considerations.

Common error

Avoid using "is effectively zero" when the value is simply small but still relevant. Ensure the context warrants treating it as if it were truly zero to maintain accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is effectively zero" functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It modifies a noun or pronoun by ascribing a state of being practically equivalent to zero. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is effectively zero" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that a quantity or value is negligibly small and can be treated as zero for practical purposes. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely used across various domains, including science, news, and encyclopedias. While the phrase indicates a state of near non-existence, context is essential to determine if something truly warrants being considered zero. Common errors include overstating insignificance when the value, though small, is still relevant. Alternatives such as "is virtually nonexistent" or "is practically nil" can offer nuances depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is virtually nonexistent

Emphasizes the near absence of something.

is practically nil

Highlights the insignificance of something.

is almost zero

Indicates a value very close to zero.

is negligibly small

Focuses on the smallness and unimportance of the quantity.

is essentially nothing

Indicates that something is so small it's like it doesn't exist.

is tantamount to nothing

Highlights the equivalence to non-existence in impact.

is functionally absent

Focuses on the lack of practical effect or presence.

is reduced to nothing

Emphasizes a process leading to a zero-like state.

is close to immaterial

Highlights the unimportance of the value.

is near enough to nothing

Indicates that the value is very close to zero.

FAQs

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

Use "is effectively zero" to describe a quantity, effect, or value that is so small that it has no practical impact in a given situation. For example, "The error rate in this process "is effectively zero"".

What can I say instead of "is effectively zero"?

You can use alternatives like "is virtually nonexistent", "is practically nil", or "is almost zero" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "is effectively zero" is suitable for formal writing, especially in scientific, technical, or economic contexts where precise language is important. It clearly conveys that a value can be treated as zero for practical purposes.

What's the difference between "is effectively zero" and "is exactly zero"?

"Is exactly zero" means the value is literally zero with no margin of error. "Is effectively zero" implies the value is so close to zero that it can be treated as zero for practical purposes or due to its negligible impact.