shrunk to zero

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shrunk to zero" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something has decreased to the smallest possible amount or has become nonexistent. Example: "After the budget cuts, our funding has shrunk to zero, leaving us with no resources to continue the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

The margin for error has shrunk to zero.

The New York Times - Sports

Bookings for what should be a busy summer season have shrunk to zero after the accident.

The Guardian - Business

Happy 38th birthday to Elsie! pic.twitter.com/5wk9SGMcIt "We reached a point where in that five years the need for research has essentially shrunk to zero".

Independent

The risk tolerance in the financial world has shrunk to zero, but the risk tolerance in the political world has risen to infinity.

The New York Times

Based on a plan to relocate 150,000 "slaves" each year – and taking "natural increase" into consideration – Doolittle showed senators an American black population that shrunk to zero by 1907.

The New York Times

In this case, the spiral becomes stable before the limit cycle has shrunk to zero amplitude.

The Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Indeed, it has shrunk to four.

The Guardian - Sport

Five broadcasting bases have shrunk to two: Birmingham and London.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

West's three "certain" trump tricks had shrunk to two.

The New York Times

Today, the number of hospitals has shrunk to seventy-one.

The New Yorker

A fifth stop was closed, and the train, once eight cars long, shrunk to two.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shrunk to zero" to vividly illustrate a complete reduction in quantity, value, or importance. Ensure the context makes it clear what is being reduced.

Common error

Avoid using "shrunk to zero" when a reduction is significant but not complete. Use alternative phrasing to indicate a partial reduction instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shrunk to zero" functions as a verb phrase indicating a complete reduction or elimination. Ludwig's examples show its usage in describing tangible and intangible things diminishing entirely.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shrunk to zero" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for describing a complete reduction or elimination. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively conveys the idea that something has diminished entirely. While not extremely common, it appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, particularly in the contexts of news, media and scientific discussions. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates what has been completely reduced.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

diminished to nothing

Focuses on the complete loss of quantity or importance.

decreased to nil

Emphasizes the reduction to an absolute zero value.

reduced to naught

Uses a more archaic term to indicate a complete loss.

dwindled to nothing

Highlights a gradual process of becoming nonexistent.

evaporated entirely

Implies a disappearance as if by evaporation.

vanished completely

Stresses a sudden and total disappearance.

dissipated entirely

Suggests a scattering and complete loss of substance.

collapsed completely

Implies a sudden and catastrophic reduction to nothing.

reached rock bottom

Indicates the lowest possible point, implying a near-zero state.

fallen off the map

Suggests a disappearance from relevance or existence.

FAQs

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

You can use "shrunk to zero" to describe a situation where something has completely disappeared or become nonexistent, like "After the budget cuts, our funding has "shrunk to zero"".

What are some alternatives to "shrunk to zero"?

Alternatives include "diminished to nothing", "decreased to nil", or "reduced to naught", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "shrunk to zero" in formal writing?

Yes, "shrunk to zero" can be used in formal writing, especially when precision and impact are desired. However, consider the audience and the specific context to ensure it fits the tone.

What does it mean when something has "shrunk to zero"?

It means that the quantity, value, or importance of something has been completely eliminated. It emphasizes a total reduction or disappearance.