Zeroes vs. Zeros — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 27, 2024
"Zeroes" and "zeros" both represent the plural form of zero; "zeroes" is less common and sometimes used for verb forms, while "zeros" is the standard plural in American English.
Difference Between Zeroes and Zeros
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Zeroes is an alternate plural form of zero, occasionally used in various English contexts. Whereas zeros is the more commonly accepted plural form, especially in American English, which favors simpler and more phonetic spellings.
In mathematical and technical writing, "zeros" is predominantly used to refer to multiple instances of the numeral 0. On the other hand, "zeroes" might appear in older texts or in certain British English contexts, but it is less common.
When discussing the verb form, as in "to zero out," "zeroes" can also be used as the third person singular present tense (e.g., "He zeroes the scale"). Whereas "zeros" would not be correct in this verb form, indicating the flexibility of "zeroes" in English usage.
In digital and computing contexts, the term "zeros" is used to describe filling a space or memory with the digit 0. On the other hand, "zeroes" might still appear but primarily in non-standard usages or in specific regional dialects.
Despite these nuances, in everyday communication and most formal writing, "zeros" is the preferred term and is universally understood, maintaining consistency across most English-speaking regions.
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Comparison Chart
Common Usage
Less common, sometimes verbs
Standard plural of zero
Preference
British English, older texts
American English, modern texts
Technical Writing
Rarely used
Commonly used
Verb Forms
Used in verb conjugations
Not used for verbs
Regional Variance
Might appear in specific regions
Widely accepted and used globally
Compare with Definitions
Zeroes
An alternative plural form of zero, less commonly used.
He often zeroes in on the minor details.
Zeros
Employed in technical descriptions and specifications.
The memory block is initialized with zeros.
Zeroes
Appears in discussions about zeroing devices or settings.
She zeroes her camera's counter after every event.
Zeros
The plural form of zero, indicating more than one number zero.
Fill the form with zeros where applicable.
Zeroes
Occasionally appears in British texts or historical writings.
The document listed the figures with several zeroes.
Zeros
Commonly used in mathematics and computer science.
The algorithm checks for zeros in the data array.
Zeroes
Can denote multiple instances of zero in poetic or varied writing.
A row of zeroes filled the page.
Zeros
Standard term in American English educational materials.
The student learned to count with ones and zeros.
Zeroes
Used as a verb meaning to reset or adjust to zero.
The technician zeroes the instruments before each measurement.
Zeros
Used in everyday language and instructions.
Enter zeros in the unused fields of the application.
Zeroes
The numerical symbol 0; a cipher.
Zeros
The numerical symbol 0; a cipher.
Zeroes
The identity element for addition.
Zeros
The identity element for addition.
Zeroes
A cardinal number indicating the absence of any or all units under consideration.
Zeros
A cardinal number indicating the absence of any or all units under consideration.
Zeroes
An ordinal number indicating an initial point or origin.
Zeros
An ordinal number indicating an initial point or origin.
Zeroes
An argument at which the value of a function vanishes.
Zeros
An argument at which the value of a function vanishes.
Zeroes
The temperature indicated by the numeral 0 on a thermometer.
Zeros
The temperature indicated by the numeral 0 on a thermometer.
Zeroes
A sight setting that enables a firearm to shoot on target.
Zeros
A sight setting that enables a firearm to shoot on target.
Zeroes
(Informal) One having no influence or importance; a nonentity
A manager who was a total zero.
Zeros
(Informal) One having no influence or importance; a nonentity
A manager who was a total zero.
Zeroes
The lowest point
His prospects were approaching zero.
Zeros
The lowest point
His prospects were approaching zero.
Zeroes
(Informal) Nothing; nil
Today I accomplished zero.
Zeros
(Informal) Nothing; nil
Today I accomplished zero.
Zeroes
Of, relating to, or being zero.
Zeros
Of, relating to, or being zero.
Zeroes
Having no measurable or otherwise determinable value.
Zeros
Having no measurable or otherwise determinable value.
Zeroes
(Informal) Not any; no
"The town has ... practically no opportunities for amusement, zero culture" (Robert M. Adams).
Zeros
(Informal) Not any; no
"The town has ... practically no opportunities for amusement, zero culture" (Robert M. Adams).
Zeroes
Designating a ceiling not more than 16 meters (52 feet) high.
Zeros
Designating a ceiling not more than 16 meters (52 feet) high.
Zeroes
Limited in horizontal visibility to no more than 55 meters (180 feet).
Zeros
Limited in horizontal visibility to no more than 55 meters (180 feet).
Zeroes
(Linguistics) Of or relating to a morpheme that is expected by an established, regular paradigm but has no spoken or written form. Moose has a zero plural; that is, its plural is moose.
Zeros
(Linguistics) Of or relating to a morpheme that is expected by an established, regular paradigm but has no spoken or written form. Moose has a zero plural; that is, its plural is moose.
Zeroes
To adjust (an instrument or a device) to zero value.
Zeros
To adjust (an instrument or a device) to zero value.
Zeroes
Plural of zero
Zeros
Plural of zero
Zeroes
(rare) The decade of the 1800s, 1900s, 2000s, etc. The noughties. The 2000s.
Zeros
The decade of the 1800s, 1900s, 2000s, etc. The noughties. The 2000s.
Common Curiosities
What is the difference between zeroes and zeros?
Zeroes is an alternative plural and sometimes verb form of zero, while zeros is the standard plural form.
Can zeroes and zeros be used interchangeably?
In the context of the plural of zero, they are often interchangeable, but zeros is preferred for clarity and consistency.
Is zeroes acceptable in formal writing?
While not incorrect, zeros is recommended for formal writing, particularly in scientific and mathematical contexts.
Which form should I use in academic papers?
Use zeros in academic writing, especially if adhering to American English standards.
Why are two different forms used for the plural of zero?
Variations like zeroes are influenced by regional and historical preferences in English spelling and usage.
Is there a specific context where zeroes is preferred?
Zeroes might be preferred in some British English contexts or when used as a verb.
What does it mean to zero out an account?
It means to adjust the account balance to zero, often using the verb form "zeroes."
Which is more commonly used, zeroes or zeros?
Zeros is more commonly used, especially in American English.
How do educational systems teach the plural of zero?
Most educational systems, particularly in the U.S., teach "zeros" as the standard plural.
Are there any specific rules for using zeros in programming?
In programming, zeros are often used to initialize data structures or to represent false conditions in binary systems.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
