reach zero

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "reach zero" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where you want to indicate that a quantity or value has decreased to zero. For example, "The company's profits are expected to reach zero by the end of the fiscal year." Alternative expressions include "drop to zero" and "fall to zero."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They said the baseline for the electricity sector must reach zero emissions by 2035.

The Guardian

Others subtract, taking 24's from 250 to see how many they need to reach zero.

The New York Times

It said the baseline should be reduced over time, and reach zero "well before 2050".

The Guardian

Then there's a cut to Kim, whose countdown is about to reach zero.

The New Yorker

Second, governments should invest in renewable energy and plan to reach zero emissions by 2050.

The Guardian

It is relatively small < in high magnetic fields, but does not reach zero.

Nature

10 Jeremy Warner: When interest rates reach zero, what does the Bank do then?

The Independent

9 Jeremy Warner: When interest rates reach zero, what does the Bank do then?

The Independent

However, this protection would gradually decrease and reach zero because of coating degradation.

Construction and Building Materials

Judge Lewis R. Carluzzo ruled that professional gamblers can deduct losses and gambling expenses only until their winnings reach zero.

The New York Times

He, his wife, Michelle, and his young daughter, Isabella, spent twelve months striving, under increasingly trying circumstances, to reach zero.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reach zero" in scientific or technical writing, ensure that the units of measurement are clearly defined to provide context for the zero value.

Common error

Avoid treating the phrase "reach zero" as an instantaneous occurrence; instead, consider the process and context leading to that state. For example, avoid statements like "The temperature reached zero suddenly" without explaining factors contributing to rapid cooling.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reach zero" functions as a verb phrase, typically indicating the attainment of a null or baseline state. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a grammatically correct phrase. It's used to describe the moment something diminishes until it equals zero.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "reach zero" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the process or state of attaining a null value. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical standing and high frequency across diverse domains, including news, science, and business. While generally neutral in tone, its specific meaning depends heavily on context. Related phrases, such as "fall to zero" and "drop to zero", offer similar but nuanced ways to convey this concept. Understanding the contexts in which "reach zero" is used helps ensure precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fall to zero

Emphasizes the process of decreasing until the value becomes zero.

drop to zero

Similar to "fall to zero", but can also imply a sudden decrease.

decrease to zero

Highlights the gradual reduction to a null state.

decline to zero

Focuses on a continuous downward trend culminating in zero.

vanish completely

Expresses complete disappearance or cessation of existence.

become nonexistent

Highlights the transformation into a state of non-existence.

terminate entirely

Implies a complete and final end to something.

end up at zero

Specifies the final destination of a process as being zero.

converge to zero

Common in mathematical contexts, indicating a value approaching zero.

be reduced to nothing

Emphasizes the annihilation or elimination of something.

FAQs

How is "reach zero" used in the context of emissions?

In the context of emissions, "reach zero" often refers to achieving net-zero emissions, meaning that any emissions released are balanced by removals. Many organizations and countries have goals to "reach zero emissions" by a specific date.

What are some synonyms for "reach zero"?

Some synonyms for "reach zero" include "fall to zero", "drop to zero", and "decrease to zero". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What does it mean when interest rates "reach zero"?

When interest rates "reach zero", it means that the central bank has lowered the policy rate to its lowest possible level. This situation, often referred to as the zero lower bound, can limit the effectiveness of conventional monetary policy.

Is it correct to say "reached zero" instead of "reach zero"?

Yes, "reached zero" is the past tense form of "reach zero" and is perfectly correct when describing a completed action. For example: "The company's debt "reached zero" after the restructuring."