smaller than zero

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "smaller than zero" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a number that is less than zero on the number line, indicating a negative value. Example: The temperature outside is smaller than zero degrees Celsius, making it dangerously cold for anyone to be outside for too long.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

If a scaling value smaller than zero is obtained for a specific symbol, the scaling factor for that symbol is set to zero as it indicates that scaling will result in peak regrowth.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

But overestimation errors are unbounded, whereas underestimation errors are bounded, since they cannot be smaller than zero.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And it can perform only one operation: subtracting one number from another and storing the answer in one of two places, depending on whether that answer is bigger or smaller than zero.

The Economist

Asterisks indicate values significantly larger or smaller than zero.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

If the constant can be chosen smaller than zero, is called of negative type.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

All four OPEs are significantly smaller than zero at least at the 5% level.

Swiss Journal of Economics and Statistics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

It doesn't take reservations for groups smaller than six.

The New York Times - Food

Also, while Colorado is indeed smaller than twenty-one other states, it is larger than twenty-eight.

The New Yorker

Two crocodiles which were smaller than two metres were pulled from Shoal Bay on Thursday.

The Guardian

The filly that won the Oaks, Proud Spell, is much smaller than Eight Belles.

The New York Times

About a third of these entities are smaller than two square miles.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing mathematical or scientific concepts, using "smaller than zero" provides a clear and direct way to indicate a negative value.

Common error

Avoid using "smaller than zero" when you actually mean a value that is close to zero but still positive. "Smaller than zero" always refers to a negative number.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "smaller than zero" functions as a comparative adjective phrase, modifying a noun (often implied or stated) to indicate a quantity or value that is less than zero. This is used to express negativity in a numerical context. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

65%

News & Media

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "smaller than zero" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to denote negative values, as confirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly found in scientific, technical, and news contexts, it precisely conveys that a quantity is less than zero. While alternatives like "less than zero" and "below zero" exist, the key is to ensure accurate representation of negative values, avoiding confusion with values merely approaching zero. This phrase serves a critical function in accurately representing quantitative data in various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

less than zero

Simple synonym, emphasizes the comparative relationship to zero.

below zero

Focuses on position relative to zero on a scale.

negative value

Highlights the nature of the value as being negative.

a negative number

Specifies a negative numerical quantity.

less than nothing

Emphasizes the absence of any positive quantity.

in the negative range

Indicates location within a negative range of values.

having a negative sign

Highlights the characteristic of bearing a negative sign.

at a subzero level

Implies a significantly low, negative level.

with a negative magnitude

Specifically quantifies a negative quantity

in deficit

Implies a lack relative to a baseline of zero

FAQs

How can I use "smaller than zero" in a sentence?

Use "smaller than zero" to describe a numerical value that is negative, such as "The profit margin was "less than zero", indicating a loss."

What is the difference between "smaller than zero" and "less than zero"?

The phrases "smaller than zero" and "less than zero" are interchangeable and have the same meaning. Both refer to values that are negative.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "smaller than zero"?

It's appropriate to use "smaller than zero" in mathematical, scientific, and technical contexts when you need to explicitly state that a value is negative. It is interchangeable with "less than zero".

Are there more formal alternatives to "smaller than zero"?

While "smaller than zero" is perfectly acceptable, in formal contexts, consider using "negative value" or "a negative number" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. The expression "below zero" is also a good alternative.