is next to zero

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is next to zero' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a number that is very close to zero, for example: "'The chance of success is next to zero," said the doctor after examining the patient's test results.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"The probability of finding any relics is next to zero because the land has been disturbed and farmed for a long, long time.

The New York Times

A typical commentary-type hashtag might look like this: "Sarah Palin for President??!? #Iwouldratherhaveamoose" This usage totally subverts the original purpose of the hashtag, since the likelihood of anyone searching the term "Iwouldratherhaveamoose" is next to zero.

The New Yorker

"There is next to zero chance that these two people are going to come to a final-status agreement," said Nathan Thrall, an analyst with the International Crisis Group.

The New York Times

"It's very analogous to email, where you might have a lot of people using Gmail: ultimately, the switching cost is next to zero, because we're completely interoperable with the rest of the bitcoin network.

The Guardian - Tech

This Tim realises that the likelihood of anybody ever being disappointed that you didn't totally nail that one riff they love is next to zero, especially at the first show.

Vice

This Tim realizes that the likelihood of anybody ever being disappointed that you didn't totally nail that one riff they love is next to zero, especially at the first show.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

"If there are 10 ads on the right-hand side and your friend's picture is next to one, your eye is going to go there".

The New York Times

Super Ghouls and Ghosts is next to two Street Fighter II stations, and in between is the frustration-alicious Mega Man 9.

TechCrunch

Where I stand, equally, is next to two tiny children who, so far, think I'm pretty amazing at what I do.

Huffington Post

"My influence would be next to zero," he declared.

The Guardian

"My influence would be next to zero," he has said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is next to zero" when you want to emphasize that something is highly improbable or nearly impossible. It's more impactful than simply saying something is 'unlikely'.

Common error

Don't use "is next to zero" when you actually mean 'close to one'. This phrase is strictly for quantities approaching zero, not approaching a maximum value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is next to zero" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun to indicate an extremely low quantity, probability, or likelihood. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is next to zero" is a grammatically sound adjectival phrase used to emphasize that a probability, quantity, or likelihood is exceptionally small, almost to the point of being nonexistent. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. While it appears across a range of sources, it's most prevalent in news and media contexts. Similar alternatives include phrases like "is virtually nonexistent" and "is practically nil". When employing this phrase, ensure you're accurately conveying a quantity near zero, avoiding its misuse for values closer to one. The phrase conveys a higher degree of certainty or finality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is virtually nonexistent

Emphasizes the nonexistence of something, similar to being almost zero.

is practically nil

Uses a more formal term 'nil' to indicate an amount that is nothing.

is almost zero

A more direct and less emphatic way to say something is close to zero.

is exceedingly small

Focuses on the extremely small size rather than proximity to zero.

is negligibly small

Highlights that the amount is so small it can be ignored.

is close to nothing

Uses 'nothing' as a conceptual zero point.

is effectively zero

Indicates that for all practical purposes, the amount is zero.

is hardly any

Emphasizes the scarcity of something.

is minuscule

Describes something as extremely tiny.

is a remote possibility

Shifts the focus to the unlikelihood of an event.

FAQs

How can I use "is next to zero" in a sentence?

You can use "is next to zero" to describe a probability, quantity, or chance that is almost nonexistent. For example: "The probability of winning the lottery with a single ticket is next to zero."

What phrases are similar to "is next to zero"?

Alternatives to "is next to zero" include "is virtually nonexistent", "is practically nil", or "is almost zero".

Is it more appropriate to say "is next to zero" or "is equal to zero"?

"Is equal to zero" implies that the quantity is precisely zero. "Is next to zero" suggests that the quantity is extremely small but not exactly zero. The choice depends on the precision you want to convey.

Can "is next to zero" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "is next to zero" is acceptable in formal writing, especially when you want to emphasize the near impossibility of something. However, in highly technical contexts, consider using more precise mathematical terminology if available.