I nearly quit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I nearly quit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that you came close to resigning or stopping an activity but ultimately did not. Example: "After facing numerous challenges at work, I nearly quit, but I decided to push through and stay."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In the mid-80s, my career wasn't going well and I nearly quit.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I nearly quit in the first week of my degree because I went from a girls school to being in a class full of men," she says.

The Guardian - Sport

"To think I nearly quit bobsleigh last summer to focus on my other sports.

BBC

I nearly quit international football because of it but, looking back, it has served as a catalyst.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

On the umpteenth occasion a striker ran unimpeded through the heart of my defence to score I nearly quit-out in frustration.

The Guardian - Tech

"I can't believe it," said the Englishman, who nearly quit the sport a year ago in frustration at his form.

BBC

Mr. Alexander was so upset by the event that he nearly quit the law "because this was crooked and I wanted no part of it," he told Mr. Burnham in Mr. Burnham's 1989 book about the I.R.S., "A Law Unto Itself".

The New York Times

After he became a Christian, he nearly quit the sport.

The New York Times

She nearly quit the sport because she was so homesick.

The New York Times - Sports

Iriti recalled that Roethlisberger nearly quit the football team.

The New York Times - Sports

"There were 50 times that we nearly quit.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I nearly quit", provide context about the situation and the reasons that led you to consider quitting. This adds depth and clarity to your statement.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "I nearly quit" without explaining why. This can leave your audience wondering and may diminish the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I nearly quit" functions as a statement of past intention or close action. It indicates that the speaker was very close to quitting but did not ultimately do so. Ludwig examples show its use in describing professional and personal challenges.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I nearly quit" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that someone came close to stopping or resigning from something, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its usage spans various contexts, primarily appearing in news and media. When using this phrase, it’s helpful to provide context to enhance clarity and impact. Alternatives like "I almost gave up" or "I was on the verge of quitting" offer similar meanings, though with slight differences in emphasis. Understanding the reasons behind almost quitting adds depth to the narrative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I almost resigned

Emphasizes the act of resigning specifically, instead of quitting in a broader sense.

I almost gave up

Focuses on losing hope or motivation, implying a surrender.

I came close to resigning

Highlights the proximity to the action of resigning.

I was on the verge of quitting

Stresses the imminence of quitting.

I contemplated quitting

Highlights the act of considering quitting, rather than the near action.

I thought about quitting

Similar to contemplated, but less formal.

I was tempted to quit

Indicates an attraction to the idea of quitting, but not necessarily a close call.

I considered leaving

A more general term that could refer to quitting a job, team, or other commitment.

I almost walked away

Conveys a sense of finality and departure.

I had second thoughts about continuing

Focuses on doubting the decision to proceed, rather than the act of quitting.

FAQs

What does "I nearly quit" mean?

The phrase "I nearly quit" means that you came very close to stopping or resigning from something, but ultimately you did not.

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

You can use "I nearly quit" to express a situation where you almost stopped doing something. For example, "After facing numerous challenges, "I nearly quit" my job, but I decided to persevere."

What are some alternatives to "I nearly quit"?

Alternatives include phrases like "I almost gave up", "I was on the verge of quitting", or "I considered leaving", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "I nearly quit" or "I almost quit"?

Both "I nearly quit" and "I almost quit" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. The choice between them often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey. "Nearly" might suggest a slightly closer call than "almost."