virtually zero

USAGE SUMMARY

"virtually zero" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you're referring to something that is almost nonexistent. Example: There is virtually zero chance that I will be able to finish the project on time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

CASH yields virtually zero.

The Economist

Virtually ZERO cellular signal.

Stanford University

Virtually zero per cent say yes.

The New Yorker

They have virtually zero job mobility.

The New York Times

Some observers says savings rates could fall to virtually zero.

The Guardian - Business

Ghana's share of the international antiretroviral market is virtually zero.

The New York Times - Magazine

Lendwithcare says the default rate is virtually zero.

The Guardian - Money

You can cut your income tax bill to "virtually zero".

The Guardian - Money

The Federal Reserve's target overnight interest rate is virtually zero.

The New York Times

This briefly lowers the air density to virtually zero.

The Guardian

But today short-term rates are virtually zero.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "virtually zero" to emphasize that something is so close to nothing that it can be disregarded for practical purposes. For example: "The impact of this change will be virtually zero."

Common error

Avoid using "virtually zero" when you mean 'slightly above zero'. The phrase implies near nonexistence, not a small positive value. If there's even a small amount, consider using 'minimal' or 'negligible' instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtually zero" functions as a degree modifier, specifically quantifying something as being almost nonexistent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct usage, indicating a very low or negligible amount.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "virtually zero" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies something is almost nonexistent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s considered correct English. Analysis of example usages demonstrates its applicability across diverse contexts such as news, science, and academia. While alternatives like "almost nonexistent" or "practically nil" exist, "virtually zero" effectively conveys the meaning of near absence. Its usage is widespread, as proven by the vast amount of reliable sources using it. When using "virtually zero", ensure that the context truly reflects a state close to nothing, avoiding its misuse for situations involving small, yet measurable, quantities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost nonexistent

Indicates a quantity so small as to be negligible.

nearly absent

Highlights the lack of presence to a high degree.

practically nil

Uses "nil" to emphasize the lack of quantity.

effectively nothing

Focuses on the outcome being equivalent to having nothing.

as good as none

Emphasizes the functional absence of something.

tantamount to zero

States the equivalent value to zero.

bordering on nonexistent

Highlights that the quantity is close to being nonexistent.

scarcely any

Emphasizes the scarcity of something.

next to nothing

Indicates a very small amount or degree.

vanishingly small

Highlights the diminutive nature of the quantity.

FAQs

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

Use "virtually zero" to describe something that is almost nonexistent or has a negligible effect. For example: "The risk of complications is "virtually zero"."

What are some alternatives to saying "virtually zero"?

You can use phrases like "almost nonexistent", "nearly absent", or "practically nil" to convey a similar meaning. The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more accurate to say "virtually zero" or "actually zero"?

"Virtually zero" implies almost nothing, while "actually zero" indicates exactly nothing. Use "actually zero" when you want to emphasize that something is completely absent.

What is the difference between "virtually zero" and "negligible"?

"Virtually zero" suggests a quantity that is extremely close to zero, while "negligible" means something is so small it can be disregarded. "Negligible" might imply a slightly larger value than "virtually zero".