zero

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'zero' is correct and is commonly used in written English.
You can use it when referring to the numerical value as well as something that has no value/worth. Example sentence: I had zero energy left after a long day at work.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

I think the age of the universe has zero to do with how our economy is going to grow.

The New York Times

Open Mon-Sat 11am-2am, Sun 10am-2am The birthplace of the "Citywide Special" – an ice-cold can of Pabst Blue Ribbon and a shot of Jim Beam, now available almost anywhere in town – Bob and Barbara's is ground zero for this local "happy meal".

The Guardian - Travel

On the surface, this might seem as if it has absolutely zero relevance to the average American, who is more worried about whether he's going to outlive his nest egg than whether he'll leave a "legacy" for his children.

The Guardian - Money

It will obsess the British political class and reduce Britain's already damaged reputation in the EU to zero.

The Guardian

The channel has got off to a difficult start since launch, attracting small audiences – its breakfast show Wake Up London averaged 2,400 viewers, and on occasions registering a Barb score of zero viewers.

The Guardian

The troubled broadcaster, which suffered the dreaded zero audience rating for some of its shows after its launch on 31 March this year, was told by on Ofcom on Tuesday that the proposals were "significant variations" which would "substantially alter" its output.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

Recent research has highlighted how the growth of zero-hours contracts in social care is one reason for an increase in the non-payment of the minimum wage in the sector.

The Guardian

"Too many [working people] have been driven from secure, full-time work," says the manifesto, "into precarious, badly paid jobs – many working on zero-hours contracts … Over five million people are in low-paid jobs, earning less than the living wage.

The Guardian - Opinion

There are 1.8m zero-hours contracts; 1.3 million people are working part-time because they cannot get a full-time job".

The Guardian - Opinion

"There's a fear among them that this is a zero-sum game; that there's a pre-defined cake and if you start talking about men, you're going to somehow eat a chunk of this cake that's taken them a long time to bake".

The Guardian

The OECD said this will prove more difficult in places such as Europe where there is near-zero inflation.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "zero" when you need to express the absence of quantity or value, ensuring it aligns with the context, whether it's numerical, metaphorical, or technical.

Common error

Avoid using "zero" loosely when a more precise term like "none", "nil", or a specific numerical value is more appropriate. Using the wrong term may cause confusion and can dilute the precision of your message.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "zero" is as a noun, representing the numerical value or absence of quantity. As seen in Ludwig, it can also function as an adjective, modifying other nouns, such as in "zero tolerance" or "zero emissions".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "zero" is a versatile word with multiple applications, primarily functioning as a noun or adjective to denote the absence of quantity or value. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts. From news reports to business documents, "zero" serves to quantify absence, mark starting points, or emphasize a lack of importance. While synonyms like "naught" or "nil" exist, "zero" remains the most prevalent choice in modern English. Remembering its core meaning and the specific context ensures precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

naught

An archaic term for zero or nothing, less commonly used in modern contexts.

nil

A term indicating nothing or none, often used in sports scores or formal contexts.

nothing

A general term for the absence of something, applicable in many contexts.

null

Indicates an absence of value or effect, commonly used in technical and computing contexts.

cipher

A synonym for zero, especially in mathematical or code-related contexts.

void

Implies an empty or unfilled space, often used metaphorically.

absence

Refers to the state of being without something, either physically or conceptually.

bottom

Represents the lowest possible level or value.

start

Indicates the initial point or beginning, often implying a value of zero before progress.

ground zero

Denotes the starting point or the center of activity, often used in disaster or recovery contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "zero" in a sentence?

You can use "zero" to indicate a quantity of none, as in "The temperature is ten degrees below zero". It can also mean "nothing", as in "She has zero interest in sports".

What are some synonyms for "zero"?

Alternatives to "zero" include "naught", "nil", "nothing", or "null", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "zero" or "nought"?

Both "zero" and "nought" are correct, but "zero" is more commonly used in contemporary English. "Nought" is considered more archaic.

What is the difference between "zero" and "ground zero"?

"Zero" indicates the numerical value or absence of something. "Ground zero" typically refers to the site of a devastating event, like a bombing, or the starting point of a new initiative.