a virtually new

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a virtually new" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is almost new, indicating that it has been used very little or is in excellent condition. Example: "I found a virtually new laptop at the store, and it was being sold at a great discount."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

From the stage at the Boston Macworld conference in August where he announced a virtually new lineup of directors.

The New York Times

Instead, he said, "Would we be waltzing around in a brand-new Pete and a virtually new tanker if there was no money in this business?

The New Yorker

"We're hoping it all goes together and blossoms quickly," said D'Antoni, who is in the final year of his contract and starting with a virtually new roster for the fourth time in four years.

The New York Times - Sports

In a virtually new market, with many people rooting for marquee teams like the Knicks, the Heat and the Bulls in their handsome new building, it was probably unfair to expect the Nets to be dominant at home.

The New York Times - Sports

Ms. Taymor was unceremoniously given the boot in early March, and two weeks later cast members had a virtually new script in their hands, Mr. Carney said, which meant weeks of more rehearsals.

The New York Times

Streamlining this process is considered crucial to the Army's ambitious plans for transforming itself into a virtually new, unrivaled force before 2010, one that could be deployed anywhere in the world within 36 hours.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

As Phillip pointed out, new construction for a custom house in Southern California typically costs $125 a square foot, but this virtually new house cost $90 a square foot.

Los Angeles Times

Mike Petke meanwhile, kicks off his New York reign with the tough task of knitting together a virtually brand new team, where the longest standing members, Thierry Henry and Roy Miller have two and a half years and three years between them on the team.

The Guardian - Sport

With a virtually brand new cast, there's a fascination for us in discovering a refreshed approach to the piece.

The Guardian - Books

JOHN P. LYNCH, an auctioneer and broker with Amity Auction Realty, stood at the front of a crowd packed into a ballroom at the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center on Oct. 12, extolling the virtues of "a virtually brand new" five-bedroom house on Warner Avenue in Hempstead.

The New York Times

Indeed, so freely flowing is the screenplay which Mrs. Chase and Oscar Brodney have prepared, so vivid and droll is the direction which Henry Koster has given it and, particularly, so darling is the acting of James Stewart, Josephine Hull and all the rest that a virtually brand new experience is still in store for even those who saw the play.Perhaps you were one of the latter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a virtually new", ensure the context clearly indicates the extent to which the subject is like new. Provide specific details if there are any deviations from being completely new.

Common error

Avoid using "a virtually new" if the item has significant wear or noticeable defects. Overstating the condition can mislead the audience and damage credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a virtually new" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate its condition. It suggests that the noun is close to being new, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

21%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a virtually new" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in written English, as validated by Ludwig. It functions as an adjective phrase to describe something that is almost new. While not extremely common, it appears across various contexts including news, academic research, and general discussions. Alternatives include phrases like "an almost new" or "a nearly new". When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the state of the subject to maintain clarity and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an almost new

Indicates a state of being very close to new condition, differing slightly in emphasis.

a nearly new

Similar to 'almost new', this phrase suggests a slight deviation from being brand new.

a practically new

Emphasizes the functional aspect of being new, suggesting it performs as if it were new.

a basically new

Implies that the fundamental aspects are new, even if minor details are not.

a substantially new

Indicates a significant degree of newness, possibly from renovation or major update.

an essentially new

Focuses on the core or essential qualities being new, despite possible superficial wear.

a largely new

Suggests that most parts or aspects are new, with only a few exceptions.

a mostly new

Similar to 'largely new', indicating that the majority is new.

a refreshed

Indicates a renewal or update, stopping short of complete replacement.

a revamped

Suggests a significant overhaul or modernization, giving something a new appearance or function.

FAQs

What does "a virtually new" mean?

The phrase "a virtually new" means something is almost new, closely resembling a brand-new condition. It implies minimal use or significant refurbishment.

How can I use "a virtually new" in a sentence?

You can use "a virtually new" to describe an item that is not quite brand new but is in excellent condition. For example, "I bought "an almost new" car that only had 5,000 miles on it".

What are some alternatives to "a virtually new"?

Alternatives to "a virtually new" include "an almost new", "a nearly new", or "a practically new", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it acceptable to use "a virtually new" in formal writing?

Yes, "a virtually new" is acceptable in formal writing as long as it accurately describes the condition of the subject. It maintains a neutral and professional tone.