low to zero

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "low to zero" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a range of values, typically indicating a minimal or negligible amount of something. Example: "The risk of error in this process is low to zero, ensuring a high level of accuracy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

These goals, combined with increasing energy prices, have led to elevated interest in alternative, low to zero carbon and pollutant emission technologies in this sector.

Applied Energy

Therefore, it is urgent to restructure present energy production and utilization systems in order to ensure that fossil fuels are used with high efficiency and low to zero emissions.

Computer Aided Chemical Engineering

The CW was designed to maximise nutrient reduction despite experiencing a large range of hydrologic conditions, from low transit time nutrient-rich pulses during the wet periods to prolonged low to zero flow conditions during the dry periods.

Water Research

The latter has guaranteed premiums and death benefits, and low to zero cash values.

Forbes

(This is quite hard for some PRs admittedly, given their relationships with journalists can often be low to zero).

TechCrunch

This is likely due to the large amount of low to zero wind speed measurements.

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

The price for this piece is in the low to mid-six figures.

Forbes

That number is being kept intentionally low to ten, though, in order to keep Jump's status as a curated platform.

Forbes

On a scale of one (low) to ten (high), what score would you give your EQ?

Huffington Post

20 Each subscale includes five items, measured from one (low) to four (high).

BMJ Open

The level of consistency and disclosure is categorised on a scale from one (low) to five (high).

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing levels of emissions or impact, use "low to zero" to clearly indicate a target or achievement of near-complete elimination.

Common error

Avoid using "low to zero" when the quantity is simply low but clearly not approaching zero. Be accurate in representing the magnitude.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "low to zero" functions as a modifier, typically an adjective, to describe a noun. It indicates a range or spectrum of values, suggesting a quantity or degree that is either minimal or nonexistent. According to Ludwig, this expression is correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "low to zero" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe something that is nearly absent or has a very minimal presence. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage spans across various fields, including science, news, and business, indicating its versatility and wide acceptance. When using "low to zero", ensure that the context aligns with the intended meaning of near-complete absence, and choose it when describing a desirable quantity to be targeted, for example in technical or business writing. The phrase is neutral in tone and communicates a state that is minimized while not always completely non-existent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

close to none

Emphasizes the near absence of something, similar to "low to zero" but with a stronger sense of complete lack.

virtually nonexistent

Highlights the extreme scarcity of something, suggesting it's almost not there.

approaching zero

Suggests a gradual decrease towards nothing, differing from "low to zero" which implies a range.

negligible to absent

Similar to "low to zero" but uses more formal language and specifies the range of insignificance.

minimal to nil

Uses a synonym for zero, 'nil', maintaining a similar level of formality to "low to zero".

vanishingly small

Emphasizes the extremely small size or degree, indicating something is close to disappearing.

scarcely any

Indicates a very small quantity, differing from "low to zero" by focusing on quantity rather than range.

almost nothing

A more informal way of expressing a very small amount, focusing on the lack of quantity.

next to nothing

Similar to "almost nothing", this phrase is also informal and emphasizes the minimal amount.

practically non-existent

Stresses that something is not really present or effective in a practical sense.

FAQs

How can I use "low to zero" in a sentence?

You can use "low to zero" to describe something that is nearly absent or has a very minimal presence. For example, "The project aims for "low to zero" carbon emissions."

What are some alternatives to saying "low to zero"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "close to none", "virtually nonexistent", or "negligible to absent".

Is it appropriate to use "low to zero" in formal writing?

Yes, "low to zero" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in scientific, technical, and business contexts where precise quantification is important.

What is the difference between "low to zero" and "zero"?

"Low to zero" indicates a range approaching zero, while "zero" specifies an absolute absence. "Low to zero" allows for some minimal presence, while "zero" does not.