What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
naught
Example
The result of the equation was naught. [naught: noun]
Example
All his efforts were for naught. [naught: pronoun]
zero
Example
The temperature outside is zero degrees Celsius. [zero: noun]
Example
There are zero cookies left in the jar. [zero: numeral adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Zero is more commonly used than naught in everyday language and is more versatile in its usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between naught and zero?
Zero is more formal than naught and is often used in scientific or technical contexts.
