zero
The word “zero” is used as a noun, as an adjective, and as a verb. It represents the number 0, which comes before 1.
Reading the word “zero” is not that difficult, but sometimes when we see O, it’s read as “oh.” It depends on the circumstance. This video provides a little help if you need it.
Here are some examples for ways to use the word "zero."
- 1. I have zero interest in going to another meeting. (zero interest = no interest. I don’t want to do it. In this sentence, “zero” functions as an adjective or as part of a compound noun.)
- 2. The police are zeroing in on a suspect in the crime. (zero in on = try to find; focus on. In this sentence, “zero in on” is a phrasal verb.)
- 3. The number 1,000,000 has six zeros. That’s a lot of zeros. (Notice the plural form is usually spelled “zeros” instead of “zeroes.” Both are acceptable.)
- 4. The weather today is below zero. (“Below zero” is less that 0 degrees, which is equivalent to about -18 Celsius.)
- 5. In Minnesota, the temperatures often go below zero, or subzero, in the winter.
- 6. The teacher gave James a zero on his test because he cheated. (a zero = no points, no credit. It’s very bad for a student to get “a zero.”)
- 7. A rocket launch counts down to zero, and then the rocket is launched.
