virtually null

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtually null" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is almost nonexistent or has no significant value or effect. Example: "The changes made to the policy were virtually null, having little to no impact on the overall outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"This is based on OGX's virtually null cash flow generation and tight liquidity position".

The New York Times

The resulting chisquare is 86398 on 86400 df, for a virtually null outcome, with p=0.501 and Z=-0.003 Z=-0.003

Princeton University

With respect to data these ANN equations reach individual absolute average deviations of few parts per cent with biases virtually null.

International Journal of Thermal Sciences

Indeed, by contrast to squamous cell carcinoma cells, BCC cells can hardly be cultured ex vivo, and exhibit virtually null metastatic potential in vivo [32].

Plosone

As shown in Figure 2A, the viability of MDDC infected with MVA-B at a MOI of 10 PFU/MDDC decreased as a function of time, being virtually null at 72 h post-infection, 5% at 48 h post-infection and 10% at 24 h post-infection.

Plosone

These two categories are currently used in the analysis of interval cancers and imply a different chance of detection, which is relevant for FN cases, most likely missed due to fatigue and loss of attention, and virtually null for MS cases, which are easily identified only in retrospect at 'informed' review.

British Journal of Cancer

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The assay is highly specific, as evidenced by virtually zero activity in plasma of LPS treated gelsolin-null mice [16].

Plosone

Virtually nothing.

The New Yorker

Literacy is virtually nil.

The Economist

CASH yields virtually zero.

The Economist

Sales: virtually nil.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "virtually null" to describe situations where something is so close to zero that it has no practical impact. For example, "The budget surplus was virtually null after the unexpected expenses."

Common error

Avoid using "virtually null" in very casual conversations. Simpler terms like "almost nothing" or "practically zero" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtually null" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the state of something being practically non-existent or having no significant effect, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "virtually null" is used to describe something that is close to nonexistent or has no practical effect. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and suitable for formal contexts like science, news, and academia. While not as common as simpler alternatives like "almost nothing", it provides a precise way to communicate near absence. Ludwig examples show it being sourced from reputable sources like Plosone and The New York Times. When using this phrase, consider your audience and ensure the formal tone is appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost nonexistent

Emphasizes the near absence of something.

practically zero

Highlights the lack of quantity or effect.

effectively void

Focuses on the lack of legal or practical effect.

nearly absent

Stresses the close-to-complete absence of something.

substantially diminished

Indicates a significant reduction to the point of near insignificance.

in effect nonexistent

Similar to 'effectively void' but with a stronger emphasis on nonexistence.

tantamount to nothing

Equates the thing in question with having no value or consequence.

next to nothing

A common idiom indicating a very small amount or effect.

for all intents and purposes nothing

A more formal way of saying something is essentially without value or effect.

as good as nothing

Suggests something is so ineffective it might as well not exist.

FAQs

How can I use "virtually null" in a sentence?

You can use "virtually null" to describe something that is almost nonexistent or has no practical effect. For example, "The company's profits were "virtually null" due to the economic downturn."

What does "virtually null" mean?

"Virtually null" means something is so close to zero that it is effectively nonexistent or without any significant effect.

Are there alternatives to using "virtually null"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "almost nonexistent", "practically zero", or "effectively void" depending on the context.

Is "virtually null" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "virtually null" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in scientific, technical, or business contexts where precise language is important.