minimal to zero

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "minimal to zero" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which there is nearly no amount of something, such as "The chances of winning are minimal to zero."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Thus, it has minimal to zero adverse effects on the biosphere (beyond life-cycle emissions), resources (e.g., cultural), and legal entitlements (e.g., religious rights of indigenous communities).

A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Energy Systems With Special Focus on Photovoltaic Systems

Once a library debt is paid, Mr. Bowling said, even if it has been reported to a credit bureau, it usually has "minimal to zero influence on a person's credit rating".

The New York Times

Once a library debt is paid, Mr. Bowling said, even if it has been reported to a credit bureau, it usually has "minimal to zero influence on a person's credit rating". The amounts are usually too small to concern creditors.

The New York Times

Hence, the likely policy impact of this part of the executive order is minimal to zero.

Forbes

For both eBay and PayPal, straight cash transfers from a savings or debit card carry minimal to zero fees.

Forbes

Both treatments have minimal to zero downtime and may also be used for other parts of the body that need firming or lifting.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

At least in my experience, environmental literature in Britain gets read almost exclusively by the converted to the converted, and its meaningful ethical impact is minimal tending to zero.

The Guardian - Books

The set of residues including a non-hydrogen atom with a minimal distance to one of the nodes of the respective model was calculated.

Plosone

In these patients, the distance between the region of latest activation and the LV lead position (as reflected by the number of cardiac segments in between) was minimal (up to two cardiac segments).

European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging

BSO alone had minimal to no activity in six cell lines and had modest activity in the OPM-2, KMS-12-PE and MM.1S lines.

Blood Cancer Journal

If Congress does not extend the credit, "I believe 2013 would have minimal if not close to zero wind built in the United States," said Michael O'Sullivan, the senior vice president for development at NextEra Energy Resources, a huge clean energy developer in Juno Beach, Fla.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "minimal to zero" when you want to emphasize that something is close to being non-existent, but you want to cover the possibility that a tiny amount might still be present.

Common error

While "minimal to zero" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Alternatives like "negligible" or "effectively absent" might be more appropriate to maintain a sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "minimal to zero" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It quantifies or describes something as having very little to no presence or effect. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English to describe a near absence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "minimal to zero" effectively conveys a state of near absence, indicating that something has very little to no impact or quantity. While grammatically correct, its usage leans toward a neutral to slightly informal register. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, showing instances across diverse domains like News & Media and Science, although more formal options might suit highly academic contexts. When employing "minimal to zero", consider the subtle emphasis it places on both the possibility of a tiny amount existing and the overall insignificance of the thing being described.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

negligible to nonexistent

Emphasizes nonexistence as the extreme end of the spectrum.

almost nonexistent

Highlights the very low probability of existence.

virtually absent

Implies an absence that is practically complete, though not necessarily absolute.

scarcely any

Indicates a very small quantity.

next to nothing

An idiomatic expression suggesting very little or none.

vanishingly small

Emphasizes how small the quantity is by relating it to the idea of disappearing.

close to none

A straightforward substitute indicating a number approaching zero.

effectively absent

Highlights that something is practically not there.

almost imperceptible

Focuses on how difficult it is to notice.

hardly any at all

Emphasizes the lack of something to a great extent.

FAQs

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

You can use "minimal to zero" to describe something that is nearly absent. For example, "The impact of the change was "minimal to zero".".

What's a good alternative to "minimal to zero"?

Alternatives include "negligible to nonexistent", "almost nonexistent", or "virtually absent" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "minimal to zero" formal or informal?

The phrase "minimal to zero" sits in a somewhat neutral register. While acceptable in many contexts, more formal alternatives like "negligible" might be preferable in academic or highly professional settings.

Is it redundant to say "minimal to zero"?

While some may view it as slightly redundant, "minimal to zero" is used to emphasize the extremely low quantity or impact of something. The combination highlights that it's not just a little, but potentially nothing at all.