negative values

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "negative values" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as mathematics, finance, or data analysis to refer to values that are less than zero. Example: "In this dataset, we need to filter out any negative values to ensure accurate calculations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Negative values indicate stimulation.

Environmental Sciences Europe

"It can be used for either positive or negative values.

TechCrunch

NEE – negative values denote uptake.

Carbon Balance and Management

Negative values indicate better results for PLLL.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Note that thresholds are negative values.

European Transport Research Review

Negative values denote a carbon sink.

Carbon Balance and Management

B′ i can take negative values.

Journal of Industrial Engineering International

Reactivity coefficients, i.e. Doppler, coolant and moderator, show negative values.

Progress in Nuclear Energy

The least-squares method can't handle negative values.

Forbes

Negative values of χ23 confirm the miscibility of the system.

Polymer

tends to assume negative values for the degraded picture.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting "negative values" in reports or analyses, always clearly label the units of measurement and provide context to explain what the negative value represents. For instance, specify if it indicates a loss, a decrease, or a debt.

Common error

Avoid interpreting "negative values" as simply the absence of something. Negative values represent a quantity less than zero, not merely a lack of quantity. For example, −5 degrees Celsius indicates a temperature below freezing, not the absence of temperature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "negative values" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers to numerical quantities that are less than zero. As Ludwig AI explains, its correct and usable in written English, mainly within technical or quantitative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

79%

News & Media

13%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "negative values" is a common and grammatically sound term, predominantly used in scientific, news, and formal contexts to represent quantities less than zero. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to describe deficits, reductions, or movement in opposing directions. When using "negative values", ensure clarity by labeling units and providing context. Avoid confusing negative values with a mere absence of value. Alternatives include "below-zero figures" and "deficit amounts". Be aware of the potential for misinterpretation and tailor your language to the audience's understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

below zero figures

This alternative directly refers to numerical values that are less than zero, emphasizing the numerical aspect.

values less than zero

This option directly describes numbers below zero, providing a clearer, more explicit definition.

minus quantities

This phrase highlights the mathematical operation associated with negative values, indicating subtraction or a reduction.

less than zero figures

This alternative phrase is descriptive and self-explanatory, suitable for clarifying the concept to a general audience.

deficit amounts

This alternative is more appropriate in contexts involving quantities where a shortfall or deficiency is being described.

subzero figures

This alternative specifies values below zero, especially temperature-related.

unfavorable metrics

This phrase applies when the negative values represent metrics or indicators that are considered undesirable or detrimental.

adverse numbers

This emphasizes the negative or harmful implications associated with the values.

declining values

This term emphasizes the trend or direction of the values, indicating a decrease or reduction over time.

downward figures

This emphasizes the direction or trend of the values, implying a decrease or reduction.

FAQs

How do I interpret "negative values" in scientific research?

In scientific research, "negative values" often indicate a decrease, reduction, or movement in the opposite direction of a measured variable. For example, in climate studies, negative values of radiative forcing might indicate a cooling effect.

What does it mean if a financial report shows "negative values"?

In finance, "negative values" typically denote losses, debts, or expenses. For instance, a negative net income signifies that a company's expenses exceeded its revenues during a specific period.

Can "negative values" have a positive meaning in certain contexts?

Yes, in some contexts, "negative values" can indicate a desirable or beneficial outcome. For example, in some engineering applications, negative feedback can lead to increased stability and improved performance. Also, negative values in the context of carbon sequestration, illustrated by "negative values of CSeq", indicate the plantation is effective in slowing down the build-up of atmospheric CO2.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "negative values"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "negative values" include phrases like "below-zero figures", "deficit amounts", or "adverse numbers". The best choice will depend on the specific nuance you wish to convey.