set to zero

USAGE SUMMARY

'set to zero' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when referring to resetting a number, value, or quantity to the value of zero. For example, "I reset the counter to zero."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

W is set to zero.

Yale University

Anywhere this happened, the precipitation was set to zero.

Columbia University

The diagonal elements of are set to zero.

Nature

If the first term is set to zero, then the algorithm reduces to [KZ2]; if the second term is set to zero, then it reduces to [KZ1].

Cornell University

Algorithm 3: Algorithm DBA.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Initially, evidence levels are set to zero.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Fermi level is set to zero.

Nanoscale Research Letters

F 3 is set to zero.

Earth, Planets and Space

The Fermi energy is set to zero.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The Fermi levels are set to zero.

Nanoscale Research Letters

The compactness was also set to zero.

Progress in Earth and Planetary Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "set to zero" in technical writing, specify the units or context clearly to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The initial velocity was set to zero meters per second."

Common error

Avoid using "set to zero" when a different action, such as 'disable' or 'deactivate', is more appropriate. "Set the feature to zero" might be unclear; instead, "disable the feature" is more direct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "set to zero" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the action of assigning a value of zero. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Examples from Ludwig show its application in resetting numerical values and initial conditions across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

75%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "set to zero" is a versatile verb phrase widely used to describe the act of assigning a value of zero across various fields. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and suitable for written English. Predominantly found in scientific and academic contexts, it serves the purpose of resetting, initializing, or nullifying values. While alternatives like "reset to zero" or "initialized to zero" exist, depending on the nuance you need to convey, "set to zero" remains a clear and concise option. Remember to provide context to what it refers and use the suggestions from Ludwig in order to improve your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reset to zero

Focuses specifically on the action of resetting a value.

initialized to zero

Emphasizes the initial assignment of a zero value, often in programming or mathematical contexts.

zeroed out

A more concise, and slightly informal, way of saying "set to zero".

nullified

Indicates that something has been made void or without effect, similar to being set to zero.

cleared to zero

Suggests the removal of any previous value, replacing it with zero.

brought to zero

Describes the process of reducing something to a zero value.

made equal to zero

Highlights the act of equating something to zero.

adjusted to zero

Implies that some modification has been made so that the final value is zero.

returned to zero

Suggests a cyclical action, where a value was previously non-zero but is now zero again.

pegged at zero

Conveys that the value is strictly controlled or fixed at zero.

FAQs

How is "set to zero" used in programming?

In programming, "set to zero" typically means assigning the numerical value of 0 to a variable or data structure, often to initialize it or reset its value. For example, a counter might be "reset to zero" at the beginning of a loop.

Are there situations where "set to zero" is not appropriate?

Yes, if the intended meaning is to remove or invalidate something completely, other phrases like "remove", "disable", or "delete" might be more accurate. "Set to zero" implies a numerical or quantifiable value is being made zero.

What is a more formal way to say "set to zero"?

A more formal alternative would be "initialized to zero" or "equated to zero", particularly in mathematical or technical contexts. However, "set to zero" is generally acceptable in most writing.

Is it ever correct to say 'set at zero' instead of "set to zero"?

While "set at zero" might be understood, "set to zero" is the more idiomatic and grammatically standard expression. "Set at" typically refers to a fixed position or level, whereas "set to" indicates a change of value or state.