near zero

USAGE SUMMARY

"near zero" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a number or quantity that is very close to zero. For example: "The temperature dropped to near zero last night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Complaints dropped to near zero.

The New York Times

Now, that has fallen to near zero.

Yale University

That dropped the count to near zero.

The New York Times - Health

It was a Zen-like experience of near zero content.

The Guardian - Arts

"That's why we have a near zero dropout rate".

The New York Times

The oxygen content in the river dropped to near zero.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

In this outbreak, everybody was flying in near-zero visibility.

The New Yorker

At near-zero scales, it's much more difficult to achieve.

Vice

Inflation is near-zero.

The Economist

Result: near-zero growth.

The Economist

Engheta, N. Pursuing near-zero response.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In financial or economic contexts, "near zero" can accurately depict interest rates or growth percentages that are extremely low, providing an important detail.

Common error

Avoid using "near zero" when absolute precision is required. "Near zero" implies approximation. If a value is definitively zero, state it directly to avoid ambiguity. The phrase implies it's not precisely zero, even if very close.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "near zero" functions primarily as an adjectival modifier, quantifying a noun by indicating that its value or amount is very close to, but not necessarily equal to, zero. This is supported by Ludwig AI and evident in examples like "near zero dropout rate" or "near zero emissions".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "near zero" is a versatile phrase used to describe quantities or levels that are very close to zero, though not exactly zero. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted. Its frequency and usage across diverse contexts, from news reports to scientific publications, demonstrate its broad applicability. When writing, remember that "near zero" implies approximation, and precise numerical values should be preferred when absolute accuracy is required. Related phrases like "virtually nil" or "close to nothing" can provide suitable alternatives depending on the context and desired tone. Understanding these nuances allows for more effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

effectively zero

Implies that for all practical purposes, the quantity can be considered zero.

virtually nil

Uses a formal tone to denote a quantity that is negligibly small.

almost nonexistent

Highlights the lack of existence, making it suitable when referring to something that is practically not there.

close to nothing

Replaces "near zero" with a more informal expression, emphasizing the insignificance of the quantity.

next to nothing

Similar to "close to nothing", this emphasizes the lack of value or quantity in a casual way.

approaching zero

Indicates a trend or movement towards zero, rather than a static state.

bordering on zero

Similar to approaching zero, but implies a state very close to zero.

vanishingly small

Suggests something is extremely small, almost disappearing.

minimal

A simpler, more direct way to say that something is very small or at the lowest level.

at rock bottom

Indicates the lowest possible level or point, though not strictly numerical.

FAQs

How can I use "near zero" in a sentence?

You can use "near zero" to describe quantities or values that are very close to zero but not exactly zero. For example, "The error rate was "effectively zero", making the device highly reliable."

What are some alternatives to "near zero"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "near zero" include "almost nonexistent", "virtually nil", or "close to nothing".

Is it correct to say "near zero" or should I say "close to zero"?

Both "near zero" and "close to zero" are correct and generally interchangeable. The choice often depends on personal preference or the desired level of formality. "Near zero" might be slightly more formal.

What does "near zero" mean in the context of interest rates?

In finance, "near zero" interest rates indicate that the cost of borrowing money is extremely low. This is often a strategy used by central banks to stimulate economic growth, but it can also impact retirees who are "earning near-zero interest" on their savings.