Almost all

USAGE SUMMARY

"Almost all" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where most of something is true but not all of it. For example, "Almost all of the students in my class passed their exams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or almost all.

The New York Times

Now, almost all do.

The Economist

This is almost all.

The New York Times - Books

Well – almost all.

TechCrunch

They're almost all here.

Huffington Post

Overtired almost all the time.

WikiHow

Almost all.

The New York Times

Almost all make losses.

The Economist

Almost all are bunk.

Independent

Almost all wore red.

The New York Times

Almost all are emaciated.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "Almost all", ensure that the context clearly defines what 'all' refers to, to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "All" when "Almost all" is more accurate. Overgeneralizations can weaken your argument and credibility. Acknowledge the exceptions to show thoroughness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Almost all" functions as a determiner, quantifying a noun or noun phrase to indicate a quantity nearing totality. Ludwig AI examples confirm its usage in modifying nouns to express near-universal conditions or characteristics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

11%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Almost all" functions as a determiner phrase indicating a quantity that is close to, but not exactly, 'all'. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. It is particularly prevalent in news and media, conveying general truths while acknowledging exceptions. When writing, be mindful of overgeneralizations; "Almost all" offers a nuanced alternative to "All", providing greater accuracy and strengthening your overall argument. Remember that related alternatives are "nearly all", "virtually all" or "just about all". This ensures you’re using the most precise language in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Nearly all

Slightly more formal and emphasizes the approximation to 'all'.

Virtually all

Implies that for all practical purposes, it is equivalent to 'all'.

Practically all

Similar to 'virtually all', suggesting a minor exception doesn't change the overall truth.

Just about all

More informal, but conveys the same meaning of near-total inclusion.

In most cases

Focuses on the prevalence of a situation rather than a quantity.

For the most part

Indicates the majority is being considered, but allows for exceptions.

The vast majority

Emphasizes the large proportion more explicitly.

A large majority

Less emphatic than 'the vast majority' but still indicates a significant portion.

The great part

An older or more literary way to express 'almost all'.

Close to all

Directly expresses the proximity to a complete set.

FAQs

How can I use "Almost all" in a sentence?

"Almost all" is used to indicate that a large majority of something is true, but not absolutely everything. For example, "Almost all students passed the exam", meaning a few might have failed.

What phrases can I use instead of "Almost all"?

You can use alternatives like "nearly all", "virtually all", or "just about all" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "Almost all" and "All"?

"Almost all" indicates that there are some exceptions, while "All" implies that there are no exceptions. Using "Almost all" provides a more accurate and nuanced statement when exceptions exist.

Is it better to use "Almost all" or "Most"?

The choice between "Almost all" and "Most" depends on the degree of inclusion you want to convey. "Almost all" suggests a very high percentage, while "Most" indicates a simple majority. Use "Almost all" when the proportion is significantly higher than just 'most'.