next to none

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "next to none" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is of the highest quality or that there is very little of something else in comparison. Example: "Her dedication to her work is next to none, making her an invaluable team member."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Now thay have next to none.

The Guardian - Sport

"But there were next to none hired as mechanics".

The New York Times

The durability of Costello's international respect is next to none.

The Guardian

Kickers have zero consistency from season to season, and defenses have next to none.

The New York Times

Vodka has even less than beer, or next to none at all.

The New Yorker

Aid agencies have only limited access, and the press next to none.

The Economist

As things stand, transparency ranges from next to none to a lot.

The Economist

Of patriotic self-control on Monday there was next to none.

Independent

Asked what role political considerations had played in his decision, he responded, "Next to none".

The New York Times

The chance of a party this year is next to none.

The New York Times - Sports

Her chances of evading capture and termination were next to none.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "next to none", ensure the context clearly indicates whether you are referring to a quantity (almost none) or a quality (the best). Clarity prevents misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "next to none" when you mean 'absolutely none'. While it signifies a very small amount, it doesn't imply complete absence. For complete absence, use 'none at all'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "next to none" functions primarily as a quantifier or adjective phrase, modifying nouns to indicate a very small quantity or an exceptional degree of quality. Ludwig provides examples showing its usage in various contexts, such as describing minimal effort or unmatched dedication.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "next to none" is a versatile phrase that, as Ludwig AI indicates, is grammatically correct and frequently used. It serves to emphasize either the scarcity of something or its unparalleled quality. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse applications. When aiming for precision, ensure the context clearly indicates whether you intend to convey minimal quantity or exceptional quality. For indicating an unapproachable excellence it's recommended to use the valid alternative phrases ""second to none"", "unmatched", or "in a class by itself".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost nonexistent

Emphasizes the near absence of something.

virtually absent

Highlights the practical absence, even if technically present.

practically nil

Uses 'nil' to denote a zero quantity or degree.

scarcely any

Indicates a very small quantity or number.

hardly any

Similar to 'scarcely any', suggesting a minimal amount.

almost nothing

Focuses on the lack of substance or amount.

as good as none

Implies the equivalent of having nothing at all.

second to none

Indicates unparalleled excellence or quality.

unmatched

Expresses a level of quality that cannot be equaled.

in a class by itself

Highlights the uniqueness and superiority of something.

FAQs

How can I use "next to none" in a sentence?

You can use "next to none" to describe something that is almost completely absent, as in "There was "next to none" traffic on the road", or to describe something of extremely high quality, as in "Their dedication is "second to none"".

What are some alternatives to "next to none" when referring to quantity?

When referring to quantity, you can use alternatives like "almost nonexistent", "virtually absent", or "scarcely any".

What are some alternatives to "next to none" when referring to quality?

When referring to unmatched quality, consider using phrases such as ""second to none"", "unmatched", or "in a class by itself".

Is "next to none" formal or informal?

"Next to none" is generally considered neutral and appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. However, for very formal writing, you might prefer alternatives like "virtually absent" or "practically nil" when indicating quantity.