nearing zero

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nearing zero" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a quantity or value that is approaching zero, often in contexts such as mathematics, economics, or statistics. Example: "The company's profits have been steadily decreasing, and they are now nearing zero."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

But so many of Panama City's buildings were damaged that the pool of available apartments is nearing zero.

The New York Times

In fact, data from the Mexican Migration Project, a binational effort by demographers and other researchers, indicates that the rate of undocumented emigration is nearing zero.

The New York Times

The university also extended multimillion-dollar loans for luxury properties to some administrators and star professors, in some cases at rates nearing zero percent or partially forgiven.

The New York Times

With occupancy nearing zero around the island, officials say, about half of Lombok's 4,000 hotel workers have lost their jobs or have been placed on leave.

The New York Times

The percentage of African-Americans and Latinos in professional positions in booming tech businesses is extremely low, nearing zero at many firms.

The New York Times - Magazine

His favorite: Against Virginia Tech this season, fourth-and-8 with the Orangemen losing by 4 points and the game clock nearing zero.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

fatality rate nearing one hundred per cent".

The New Yorker

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

The oxygen content in the river dropped to near zero.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "nearing zero", ensure the context clearly establishes what quantity is approaching zero for maximum clarity. For instance, specify if it's "profits", "temperature", or "error rate".

Common error

Avoid using "nearing zero" when you mean the quantity is already zero. "Nearing zero" indicates a trend or process of approaching zero, not a static state of being zero.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nearing zero" functions as a modifier, typically describing a noun representing a quantity or value. It indicates the state of something approaching the value of zero. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nearing zero" is a phrase used to describe something approaching the value of zero. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and general usability. While not extremely frequent, it is found in varied contexts, from news reports to scientific articles. When writing, use "nearing zero" to indicate a trend of approaching zero, and make sure to differentiate it from being exactly at zero. Alternatives such as "approaching zero" or "almost zero" can be used for similar meanings, ensuring clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Approaching zero

Direct synonym, emphasizing the process of getting closer to zero.

Almost zero

Indicates a state that is very close to zero, but not quite.

Close to zero

Similar to 'almost zero', conveying proximity to zero.

Vanishingly small

Emphasizes the extreme smallness and tendency to disappear.

Tending towards zero

Formal way of expressing the process of approaching zero, often in mathematical contexts.

Reaching zero

Indicates the action of getting to zero.

Effectively zero

The value is so close to zero that it can be treated as zero for practical purposes.

Marginally above zero

Highlights that the value is only slightly greater than zero.

Near negligible

The quantity is so small it is considered insignificant.

At rock bottom

Idiomatic expression signifying the lowest possible point, conceptually linked to zero.

FAQs

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

You can use "nearing zero" to describe something that is almost at zero. For example, "The company's profits are "nearing zero" due to the economic downturn".

What are some alternatives to "nearing zero"?

Some alternatives include "approaching zero", "almost zero", or "close to zero" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the temperature is nearing zero degrees"?

Yes, it is correct. It indicates that the temperature is almost at zero degrees. You can also say "the temperature is "dropping to zero"".

What does "nearing zero" imply about a trend?

It implies that something is decreasing or diminishing and is in the process of approaching zero, but has not yet reached it. For example, the error rate is "decreasing to zero".