next to zero

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "next to zero" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a quantity or likelihood that is extremely low or almost nonexistent. Example: "The chances of rain tomorrow are next to zero, so we can plan our outdoor event without worry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Cloud Sherpas is a people intensive company and less so one that sells software or services and zero or almost next to zero in consulting.

TechCrunch

"My influence would be next to zero," he declared.

The Guardian

"My influence would be next to zero," he has said.

The New York Times

My confidence is next to zero given their international and local track record".

The New York Times - Travel

The point is, the chances of any of our viewers catching Ebola are next to zero.

The New Yorker

He said the odds of a 600 school student making it in a regular school environment were next to zero.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

"Next to one with her legs open.

The New Yorker

She wants to sit next to two men to flirt".

The New York Times - Style

Yet holding them up next to one another is sobering.

The New York Times

But, standing next to one, you feel its "humid weight".

The New Yorker

We sat next to one another and held hands.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "next to zero" when you want to emphasize the extreme unlikelihood or near absence of something, making your statement more impactful than simply saying "very little" or "none".

Common error

Avoid using "next to zero" in highly formal or technical writing where a more precise quantitative term would be appropriate. While widely understood, it can sometimes be perceived as less rigorous than using specific numerical estimates.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "next to zero" functions as a quantifier or adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate an extremely small quantity or probability. Ludwig examples confirm its adjectival role, illustrating how it modifies concepts like 'chance', 'influence', or 'revenue'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "next to zero" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to denote an extremely small quantity or probability. Ludwig confirms that its typical function is to modify nouns as an adjective phrase, providing emphasis to the near absence of something. While suitable for neutral contexts such as news and general discussions, it may be less appropriate for highly formal or technical writing where precise numerical values are preferred. Related phrases include "virtually nonexistent" and "almost nothing", offering alternative ways to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

virtually nonexistent

Emphasizes the almost complete absence of something.

practically nothing

Highlights the insignificance of the quantity.

almost nothing

Indicates a quantity that is just above absolute zero.

vanishingly small

Emphasizes the extreme minuteness of the quantity or probability.

close to nothing

Similar to "almost nothing", suggesting a minimal amount.

negligible amount

Highlights the insignificance of the amount in practical terms.

scarcely any

Indicates a very small quantity that is barely present.

almost imperceptible

Emphasizes that something is so small it's hard to detect.

effectively absent

Indicates that for all practical purposes, something is not present.

barely measurable

Highlights that the quantity is so small it's difficult to quantify.

FAQs

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

You can use "next to zero" to describe a very small quantity or probability. For example, "The chance of that happening is "next to zero"."

What phrases are similar to "next to zero"?

Alternatives include "virtually nonexistent", "almost nothing", or "negligible amount", depending on the context.

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

While generally acceptable, in highly formal contexts, it might be preferable to use more precise quantitative terms if available.

What's the difference between "next to zero" and "zero"?

"Next to zero" implies a quantity that is almost zero but not quite, whereas "zero" indicates a complete absence. The difference is subtle but can be important in conveying the degree of absence or unlikelihood.