probability zero

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "probability zero" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts discussing events that are theoretically impossible. For example, "The chance of rolling a seven on a standard six-sided die has a probability zero." Alternative expressions include "impossible event" and "zero likelihood."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Thus, the distribution starts with probability zero or a constant probability as evident from Figure 1.

Journal of Statistical Distributions and Applications

Now, we assume that ATs transmitting with peak power with probability zero.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Since the second state has probability zero, the acts are decided on the basis of the first state, so Ulysses wisely chooses to be tied to the mast.

SEP

In other words, epistemic-probabilistic models do not describe what a player may believe upon learning something "surprising" (i.e., something currently assigned probability zero).

SEP

Since these cases seem difficult and arise with probability zero in practice, we will not detail them here.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

With ergodicity we can show that the standard probability distribution is the only one that is so invariant, at least if we confine ourselves to probability measures that assign probability zero to every set assigned zero by the standard measure.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

That will be the case a year from now, five years from now, and – in all probability – ten years from now.

The Guardian

On the other hand, if we know I have a blue stone (probability two-in-three) then there is a 50 50 chance you have a red stone.

The Guardian

With probability one, therefore, the agents fail to achieve full common knowledge.

SEP

For setting mutation probability, five mutation probabilities: 0, 0.02, 0.03, 0.03, and 0.04, have been applied on five instances.

Mathematical Sciences

To study the handoff blocking probability, three different handoff management schemes are considered.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "probability zero" when discussing theoretical impossibilities or events that, based on current understanding, cannot occur under specific conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "probability zero" to describe events that are merely very unlikely. "Probability zero" signifies impossibility, not extreme rarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "probability zero" functions as a descriptor, often used in mathematical, scientific, and philosophical contexts to indicate that an event is impossible or cannot occur under specified conditions. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

60%

Encyclopedias

30%

News & Media

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "probability zero" is a phrase used to denote the impossibility of an event. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that it is grammatically correct and most frequently appears in scientific and philosophical contexts. While "probability zero" precisely signifies impossibility, be sure to use it correctly and not to denote an event which has a very low chance of happening. To express similar ideas, consider using alternative phrases such as "impossible event" or "zero likelihood". When writing, remember that "probability zero" is best suited for formal and technical discussions. Ludwig has identified that the authoritative sources using the expression "probability zero" are Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking, BMC, The Guardian and The New Yorker.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impossible event

This phrase directly states that an event cannot occur, carrying a similar meaning to "probability zero".

zero likelihood

Emphasizes the lack of chance for an event to happen, similar to "probability zero".

no chance

Indicates a lack of opportunity or possibility, similar to a zero probability.

certainly not

Expresses a strong negative certainty, indicating something will not happen.

out of the question

Suggests that something is not a possibility, thus having a zero chance of occurring.

not a snowball's chance in hell

An idiomatic expression indicating no possibility whatsoever.

vanishingly small probability

Highlights that probability is so small it's virtually non-existent.

infinitesimal probability

Emphasizes the extremely small nature of the probability, close to zero.

ruled out

Indicates that an event has been determined as impossible or will not happen.

excluded possibility

Implies that a specific outcome is not feasible or possible.

FAQs

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

You can use "probability zero" to describe events that are impossible under a given set of assumptions. For example, "Assuming a fair coin, the probability of it landing on its edge is "probability zero"".

What does it mean when something has a "probability zero"?

A "probability zero" means that, according to the model or assumptions being used, the event is impossible. It will not occur under those conditions.

Is there a difference between "probability zero" and "negligible probability"?

Yes, "probability zero" indicates impossibility, while "negligible probability" suggests that an event is highly unlikely but still theoretically possible. Events with negligible probability might as well happen at any moment, with no certainty.

When is it appropriate to use "probability zero" in scientific writing?

It's appropriate to use "probability zero" in scientific writing when discussing scenarios that violate established physical laws or are excluded by the definitions within a theoretical framework.