Nearly departed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Nearly departed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is close to death or has just recently died, often in a poetic or euphemistic context. Example: "The old man lay in his bed, surrounded by family, nearly departed from this world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

So ingrained is our expectation of Julia the nearly departed that I was convinced, thinking back to "Stepmom," that it had been Roberts who contracted terminal cancer.

The New Yorker

On the day of the real murder they would wait on a stoop quietly as a tribute to their nearly departed friend.

The New Yorker

At the end of his career, when his eyesight was failing, Huang nearly departed from figuration in his paintings, while still infusing them with the essential spirit and resonance of the natural landscape.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If you think the nearly departed is really keeping an eye out for your BlackBerry accessories, then use the new case for a few days (and make sure she sees you using it, too: wave it under her nose with a smile), then revert back to the old one again.

The New York Times

"When I pass a belt," Robert Maxwell explained in his sepulchral baritone, "I cannot resist hitting below it". In just a few antic days, the Czech-born British tycoon has imposed on New York City his bustling, baroque persona, which promises to fill the void left by the nearly departed likes of Donald J. Trump, Edward I. Koch and George Steinbrenner.

The New York Times

The faithful nearly departed, but had hope.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

There was nearly a fifth until one senator changed his mind about departing.

The New York Times

Nearly a decade ago, departing the Havana airport after a swim trip, he was asked if he might donate some clothing for those in need.

The New Yorker

"No Liquids, Gels, and Aerosols" signs were posted throughout the airport, and by lunchtime nearly all departing travellers had heard the news, from England, of the latest foiled terrorist plot.

The New Yorker

The Gap, once the hottest retailer on the block, has been dead money since Mickey Drexler, the chain's CEO superstar, departed nearly six years ago.

Forbes

At the conclusion of his news conference, which lasted nearly an hour, he departed with a promise.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Nearly departed" to add a touch of euphemism or poetic nuance when discussing a delicate subject like death or endings. This phrasing can soften the impact of more direct language.

Common error

Avoid using "Nearly departed" in highly technical or scientific writing where precision is paramount. Opt for more direct and unambiguous language in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Nearly departed" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a state of being close to death, disappearance, or termination. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "Nearly departed" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe something or someone close to death, termination, or disappearance. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in English. Its neutral register and euphemistic quality make it suitable for news, encyclopedic entries, and less formal contexts. While grammatically sound and common, its usage should be tempered in highly technical or scientific writing, opting for precision over nuance. Related phrases include "almost gone" and "on the verge of death". As the analysis shows, "Nearly departed" is valued for its ability to soften discussions about sensitive topics like death.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Almost gone

Focuses on the state of being close to disappearing or ceasing to exist.

On the verge of death

Emphasizes the imminence of death.

Close to passing

A euphemistic way of describing someone nearing death.

About to expire

Highlights the impending end or cessation.

Nearing the end

General phrase indicating approaching the conclusion of life or a process.

Approaching one's demise

Formal way to express nearing death.

Drawing one's last breath

Poetic way to describe the final moments of life.

On death's door

Idiomatic expression describing someone very ill or close to death.

Ready to depart

Emphasizes the readiness for leaving or passing away.

Fading away

Describes a gradual decline towards death or disappearance.

FAQs

How can I use "Nearly departed" in a sentence?

You can use "Nearly departed" to describe someone or something that is close to death or has recently ended. For example: "The faithful nearly departed, but had hope".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "Nearly departed"?

Alternatives include "almost gone", "on the verge of death", or "close to passing" depending on the specific context.

Is "Nearly departed" a formal or informal phrase?

"Nearly departed" sits in a neutral register. It is neither overly formal nor casual, making it suitable for various contexts, including news articles and literary works.

What's the difference between "Nearly departed" and "Departed"?

"Nearly departed" implies the subject is close to death or leaving, while "Departed" indicates that the subject has already died or left. "Nearly" suggests an imminent but not yet completed state.