shrank to zero

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shrank to zero" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something has decreased to the point of being nonexistent or negligible. Example: "As the demand for the product fell, the company's profits shrank to zero."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

And the number of mothers who infected their babies shrank to zero in 2010 from nine in 2005.

The New York Times - Health

The market for VR shrank to zero almost overnight; its speed and completeness foreshadowed the dot-com boom and bust of 2000-2001.

The Guardian - Tech

As expected, the source reconstructions (not shown) resembled those with the five "valid" priors only, because the hyperparameters for the "invalid" priors shrank to zero.

Human Brain Mapping

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Within EPCglobal four warring factions of manufacturers recently shrank to two.

The Economist

The class at Wildcat had as many as 26 members but shrank to ten.

The New Yorker

The lead shrank to four when Sabbatini bogeyed the ninth hole, lipping out a 6-footer.

The New York Times - Sports

When Mr. Becker stepped down on Tuesday, the board shrank to two members, including its chairman, Mark G. Pearce.

The New York Times

The Knicks' lead in the Atlantic Division shrank to one game over the Brooklyn Nets.

The New York Times - Sports

But the conference shrank to six teams from nine after the 2002 season.

The New York Times - Sports

The lead quickly shrank to two when Calcavecchia birdied the first hole and Woods made par.

The New York Times - Sports

In 1992, male cyclists outnumbered female cyclists four to one; by 2006, the ratio shrank to two to one.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shrank to zero" to describe a complete and often sudden reduction in quantity, number, or significance. Ensure the context clearly indicates a transition from some measurable value to absolute nothingness.

Common error

Avoid using "shrank to zero" when describing a gradual or incomplete reduction. This phrase implies a definitive end, not a slow decline. For gradual reductions, consider phrases like "'decreased substantially'" or "'gradually diminished'".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shrank to zero" functions as a verb phrase indicating a complete reduction or disappearance. It typically modifies a noun, describing how a quantity or value has been entirely eliminated, like in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shrank to zero" is used to describe a complete reduction or disappearance of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides several examples from reputable sources, primarily in news and scientific contexts. While its frequency is relatively rare, it effectively conveys a definitive end to a quantity or value. When using this phrase, ensure that the context indicates a full and complete reduction, distinguishing it from gradual declines, for which alternative phrases are available. The analyzed authoritative sources demonstrate the phrase's versatile, yet precise application across diverse domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diminished to nothing

Emphasizes the complete loss of quantity or significance.

decreased to nil

Uses 'nil' to indicate a complete absence or nonexistence.

reduced to naught

Emphasizes the reduction to complete insignificance or nothing.

vanished completely

Focuses on the complete disappearance of something.

subsided to nothing

Implies a decrease to a state of non-existence.

faded into oblivion

Implies a gradual disappearance and being forgotten.

abated to zero

Suggests a lessening to a non-existent amount.

dissipated entirely

Suggests a scattering or dissolving until nothing remains.

dwindled to nothingness

Emphasizes a gradual reduction to a state of nothing.

evaporated entirely

Suggests a complete disappearance, like water turning into vapor.

FAQs

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

You can use "shrank to zero" to describe a situation where something has decreased to the point of being nonexistent. For instance, "Due to budget cuts, the department's funding "shrank to zero"."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "shrank to zero"?

Alternatives include phrases like "diminished to nothing", "decreased to nil", or "reduced to naught" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "shrunk to zero" instead of "shrank to zero"?

Both "shrunk to zero" and "shrank to zero" are grammatically correct, as "shrunk" is an alternative past participle of "shrink". "Shrank" might be perceived as slightly more formal.

What does "shrank to zero" imply about the change that occurred?

The phrase "shrank to zero" implies a complete disappearance or reduction to nothing. It signifies that whatever was being measured or counted no longer exists or has any value.