next to nil

USAGE SUMMARY

'next to nil' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that something is close to zero or has no value. For example: "The chance of success was next to nil."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Their sodium content is next to nil.

The Washington Post

Phone reception is next to nil.

The Guardian - Travel

The government's ability to mobilise any sort of disaster relief is next to nil.

The Guardian - Opinion

Today the chances of finding a Schäufelein of this size are next to nil.

The New York Times - Arts

The odds of the parties getting to a resolution of the conflict on their own are next to nil.

The New York Times

I do have a couple of guilty pleasures, like an occasional cat eye or a sweep of blue eye shadow, but my application skills are next to nil.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

File next to: Nils Lofgren, St Paul and the Broken Bones, Fitz and the Tantrums, Boz Scaggs.

The Guardian - Music

Still, that's 11 shots to nil tonight.

The Guardian - Sport

They scored three tries to nil, the nil just as impressive, considering the pressure the Irish brought to bear.

The Guardian - Sport

Expectations among Latinos range from high to nil.

The New York Times

Close to nil.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "next to nil" to express a quantity or likelihood that is so small it is almost non-existent. It's effective for emphasizing the insignificance of something.

Common error

Avoid using "next to nil" when you mean 'very little' or 'small'. The phrase implies near-total absence, not just a reduction in quantity. If you just mean a slight reduction, use phrases like "a little", "some", or "a few" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "next to nil" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, indicating the quantity or likelihood of something is nearly zero. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase effectively conveys a state of near non-existence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "next to nil" is a phrase used to convey that something is practically non-existent, having a value or likelihood very close to zero. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct and is suitable for various contexts. It's most commonly found in news and media sources, but can also appear in scientific and business writing. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the near-total absence you intend to communicate, differentiating it from simply indicating a small amount. Consider related phrases like "almost nonexistent" or "virtually absent" for similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost nonexistent

Emphasizes the near absence of something, making it virtually nonexistent.

virtually absent

Highlights the practical absence of something, suggesting it's not present in any meaningful way.

practically zero

Focuses on the quantity, indicating it's so small as to be negligible.

as good as none

Expresses that something is so minimal it's equivalent to having nothing at all.

scarcely any

Indicates a very small amount or number of something.

barely any

Stresses the minimal quantity or extent of something.

effectively none

Implies that something is practically non-existent in its effect or impact.

vanishingly small

Highlights that the size or amount is rapidly approaching zero.

a drop in the ocean

Emphasizes the insignificance of something in comparison to the whole.

a mere pittance

Conveys the idea that an amount is extremely small and inadequate.

FAQs

How can I use "next to nil" in a sentence?

You can use "next to nil" to describe something that is almost nonexistent or has a value close to zero. For example, "The chances of winning the lottery are "next to nil"".

What phrases are similar to "next to nil"?

Alternatives to "next to nil" include phrases like "almost nonexistent", "virtually absent", or "practically zero", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "next to nil" in formal writing?

Yes, "next to nil" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, although more formal alternatives like "negligible" might be preferred in highly academic or technical contexts.

What's the difference between "next to nil" and "next to nothing"?

While both phrases suggest a small quantity, "next to nil" implies an amount that is closer to zero, whereas "next to nothing" suggests a slightly larger, though still insignificant, amount.