reduced to zero

USAGE SUMMARY

"reduced to zero" can be used in written English.
This phrase is often used in the context of a numerical value that has been reduced to zero. For example, "The cost of the repairs was reduced to zero after we offered our services for free".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"His legitimacy has been reduced to zero".

The New York Times

First, fermentation time has been reduced to zero (pdf).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The credibility of the announcement had been reduced to zero.

The New York Times

Soon, that number will be reduced to zero.

The New York Times

All this suggests that the rule's 1% surplus could be gradually reduced to zero.

The Economist

At the height of the storm, visibility was reduced to zero.

The New York Times

It is not possible to decide 20 years in advance how quickly such a fund could be reduced to zero.

The Guardian - Opinion

By 2015, all tariffs on manufactured goods would be reduced to zero.

The Economist

The only limitation on this power is that the F.D.A. may not require that nicotine yields be reduced to zero.

The New York Times

The Greens were reduced to zero seats in 2011 but have, against expectations, come back into the Dáil with two seats.

The Guardian

His clout was reduced to zero, literally, when he took one American contest for nothing in a desperate bid to break through there.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "reduced to zero", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being reduced. Specificity enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "reduced to zero" when referring to abstract concepts that cannot be quantified. For example, saying "His anger was reduced to zero" might be less precise than saying "His anger completely subsided."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "reduced to zero" functions as a descriptive element indicating that a value or quantity has been diminished to nothing. As per Ludwig, this usage is considered grammatically correct. Examples show its application in contexts ranging from finance to science.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reduced to zero" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that accurately describes the complete elimination of a value or quantity. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase appears frequently in diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. When using "reduced to zero", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being reduced for better clarity and avoid applying it to non-quantifiable concepts. Related phrases include "decreased to nil" and "eliminated entirely", providing alternative ways to express similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

decreased to nil

Focuses on a decrease, using 'nil' as an alternative to zero.

diminished to nothing

Emphasizes a reduction to complete nothingness or non-existence.

brought down to zero

Highlights the action of reducing something to zero.

minimized to naught

Uses 'minimized' to convey reduction, with 'naught' being a synonym for zero.

brought to a standstill

Indicates a reduction to a point where activity or progress stops completely.

nullified

A single word implying complete invalidation or reduction to nothing.

eliminated entirely

Stresses the complete removal or eradication of something.

dropped to zero

Uses 'dropped' to indicate a sudden or rapid reduction to zero.

vanished completely

Suggests something has disappeared entirely, akin to being reduced to nothing.

reached rock bottom

Implies a reduction to the lowest possible level or state.

FAQs

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

Use "reduced to zero" to describe a quantifiable decrease to the point of nullity, such as "The company's debt was "reduced to zero" after the bailout".

What phrases are similar to "reduced to zero"?

Alternatives include "decreased to nil", "diminished to nothing", or "eliminated entirely", depending on the desired emphasis.

Is it better to say "brought down to zero" or "reduced to zero"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "reduced to zero" is more formal. "Brought down to zero" can be used in more conversational contexts.

What's the difference between "minimized to zero" and "reduced to zero"?

"Minimized to zero" implies an effort to make something as small as possible, while "reduced to zero" simply states that a value has reached zero. The former suggests a proactive process.