You can read "0" in English in several ways, depending on the context. The most common ways are "zero," "oh," "nought," and "nil."
Here's a breakdown of each, with examples:
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Zero: This is the most common and versatile way to read "0". It's used in most mathematical contexts and general situations.
- Example: "The temperature is zero degrees."
- Example: "The score is two to zero."
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Oh: "Oh" is often used when reciting numbers, especially in phone numbers, room numbers, or years.
- Example: "My phone number is 555-0100" (five five five, oh one oh oh).
- Example: "Room 404" (Room four oh four).
- Example: "The year 1905" (nineteen oh five). As the video suggests, you might say "o208."
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Nought: This is more common in British English and is often used in mathematical contexts.
- Example: "Nought point five" (0.5).
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Nil: This is commonly used in sports scores, particularly in British English.
- Example: "The score was three-nil."
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Zilch/Zilt: This means absolutely nothing and is used informally. As the video suggests, you can use "zilch" when something is nothing.
- Example: "He knows zilch about music."
| Word | Context | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Zero | General use, mathematics | The temperature is zero. |
| Oh | Reciting numbers (phone numbers, room numbers, years) | My phone number is 555-0100. |
| Nought | Mathematics (primarily British English) | Nought point five (0.5). |
| Nil | Sports scores (primarily British English) | The score was three-nil. |
| Zilch/Zilt | Informal, meaning absolutely nothing | He knows zilch about music. |
In summary, the best way to read "0" depends on the situation. "Zero" is generally safe, but "oh" is common for reciting numbers and "nil" in sports contexts.
