Almost nobody

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Almost nobody" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a very small number of people are involved or affected by something, often implying that the majority are not. Example: "Almost nobody attended the meeting, which was surprising given the importance of the topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Almost nobody has insurance.

The Economist

Almost nobody was satisfied.

The Economist

Almost nobody noticed.

The New York Times

Almost nobody, that is.

The New York Times - Arts

Almost nobody is.

The New York Times

Almost nobody is ever hit.

The New Yorker

Almost nobody is happy.

The New York Times

"Almost nobody came here".

The New York Times

Almost nobody looked up.

The New York Times

Almost nobody has perfect rhythm.

The New York Times - Science

Almost nobody actually lived there.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Almost nobody" to express a near absence or scarcity, emphasizing that very few people are involved or affected by something. This phrase is effective in drawing attention to the limited participation or interest in a particular situation.

Common error

Avoid using "Almost nobody" when a significant minority is actually present or involved. Using the phrase inaccurately can undermine your credibility and misrepresent the actual situation. Be sure that the context genuinely reflects a near-absence of people.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Almost nobody" functions as a quantifier, specifying a very small quantity or number of people. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in contexts where near-absence is emphasized. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is usable in written English and indicates a small number of people.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Almost nobody" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a near-absence of people within a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English, highlighting its effectiveness in emphasizing scarcity. The phrase is frequently found in news and media, as well as formal business documents, and maintains a neutral register. To enhance clarity, consider alternatives like "virtually no one" or "hardly anyone" while being mindful of potential overstatements. By recognizing its communicative function, linguistic properties, and common contexts, you can utilize "Almost nobody" to write more effective and precise sentences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Almost no one

Directly parallels the meaning of the original phrase with a slight variation in word choice.

Almost none

Focuses on the absence of quantity regarding people.

Virtually no one

Emphasizes the insignificance of the number of people, implying nearly zero.

Next to nobody

Emphasizes that the quantity is so small it's approaching zero.

Hardly anyone

Highlights the scarcity and infrequency of people involved.

Practically nobody

Stresses the realistic perspective of almost no presence.

Barely anyone

Conveys a sense of struggle to find even a few people.

Scarcely anyone

Highlights the rarity of finding people in a given situation.

Few people

Is a more succinct way of stating that there are very few individuals.

A handful of people at best

Illustrates a very small, limited number of people involved.

FAQs

How can I use "Almost nobody" in a sentence?

You can use "Almost nobody" to indicate that very few people are involved in something. For example, "Almost nobody attended the conference this year due to the pandemic".

What phrases are similar to "Almost nobody"?

Alternatives to "Almost nobody" include "virtually no one", "hardly anyone", or "practically nobody", all of which convey the idea that very few people are involved.

Is it correct to say "Almost no one" instead of "Almost nobody"?

Yes, "Almost no one" carries essentially the same meaning as "Almost nobody" and is grammatically correct. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific context.

What's the difference between "Almost nobody" and "Nobody"?

"Nobody" means absolutely no one, while "Almost nobody" suggests that there might be a very small number of people involved, but it's close to zero. "Almost nobody" implies a slight possibility of someone being present, whereas "Nobody" leaves no room for exception.