I nearly

USAGE SUMMARY

"I nearly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that something almost happened or almost exists. For example: "I nearly missed my flight this morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I nearly passed out.

The New York Times

I nearly eclipsed myself.

The New Yorker

I nearly slept.

The New Yorker

"I nearly fell over".

The New York Times - Sports

"But I nearly did".

The New York Times - Food

I nearly baked him!

The New Yorker

I nearly cried.

Independent

I nearly put it down.

The New York Times - Books

I nearly always got work.

The New Yorker

"I nearly died several times".

The New York Times

I nearly burst out laughing.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing near-miss events or states, ensure the context clearly conveys what almost happened to maximize impact.

Common error

Avoid leaving the reader wondering what the ultimate result was. After using "I nearly", always specify the outcome to avoid ambiguity and maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I nearly" functions as an introductory clause indicating an action or state that almost occurred. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples show it precedes a verb, modifying its impact by implying a near miss.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I nearly" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that indicates something almost happened or was close to occurring. As confirmed by Ludwig, it’s appropriate for various writing styles. It's most prevalent in News & Media contexts, where it serves to add emphasis and create engaging narratives. When using "I nearly", ensure you clearly state the outcome to prevent any confusion, and consider alternatives such as "I almost" or "I came close to" for stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I almost

This is a more common and direct synonym, suitable for most contexts where "I nearly" is used.

I came close to

Emphasizes the proximity to an event or state, adding a bit more detail.

I was on the verge of

Suggests being at the brink of something, often implying a strong emotional or physical state.

I just about

Implies a narrow escape or close call, adding a sense of relief or surprise.

I was within an inch of

This phrase conveys the idea of something very close to happening.

I all but

This phrase is less common, but effective in expressing near completion or occurrence.

It was touch and go whether I would

Indicates a precarious situation where the outcome was uncertain until the very end.

I skirted with

To come very close to something undesirable.

I teetered on the brink of

Suggests a delicate balance before a significant event, often negative.

I verged on

Implies being close to a state or condition, often with negative connotations.

FAQs

How can I use "I nearly" in a sentence?

Use "I nearly" to indicate that you almost did something or almost experienced something. For example, "I nearly missed my train this morning" or "I nearly fell asleep during the movie".

What can I say instead of "I nearly"?

You can use alternatives like "I almost", "I came close to", or "I was on the verge of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I nearly did" instead of "I almost did"?

Yes, both "I nearly did" and "I almost did" are grammatically correct and convey similar meanings. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific context.

What's the difference between "I nearly" and "I barely"?

"I nearly" indicates that something almost happened but didn't, while "I barely" indicates that something happened with great difficulty or by the narrowest of margins. For example, "I nearly missed the train" means you almost missed it, while "I barely caught the train" means you caught it just in time.