all but deleted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "all but deleted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is nearly or almost deleted, but not entirely so. Example: "The file was all but deleted after the system crash, leaving only a few fragments behind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But, if you want to go the app route after all but deleted the video after importing it, you can always drag the clip into the iTunes window and adjust your movie-sync settings to copy it back to the phone.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, the original Rich Kids of Tehran account has been all but deleted by its administrator.

BBC

Too bad I all but deleted my Facebook account the other day….

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The desktop sidebar Ticker showed what friends were doing in third-party apps and was filled with Spotify listening activity, until Facebook muted the channel and eventually all-but-deleted it.

TechCrunch

In a genre saturated with jocular bromances, Lord and Miller all but delete the "B": Jenko's passing infatuation with a fellow football lunk counts as a significant coming-out moment for the multiplex.

The Guardian - Film

RD1 is a genomic region essential for M. tuberculosis virulence [29] which is present in virulent members of the M. tuberculosis complex but deleted from all BCG vaccines [30].

Plosone

Two 28-year-old London professionals who describe themselves as "a bit nerdy, a little bit geeky" and who "tried [dating], tried [all the apps], but deleted them after a week!

Vice

"But it is easy to get rid of all these deleted items that a user doesn't need by selecting 'Remove deleted items'".

TechCrunch

But deleting them all took forever because you had to remove them one by one.

TechCrunch

Further, you can edit this file in notepad and remove all BUT the two keys deleted in step five.

WikiHow

We therefore repeated the ILD tests with all uninformative characters deleted, but the results did not change.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "all but deleted" with specific details to enhance clarity and impact. For example, 'The company's profits were all but deleted due to the recent economic downturn,' provides a clearer picture than simply stating profits were low.

Common error

Avoid using "all but deleted" when something has been completely removed. It implies a near-complete state, not a finished one. Using it incorrectly can mislead your audience about the actual status.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all but deleted" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes the state of something that has been nearly, but not completely, removed or eliminated. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "all but deleted" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe something nearly or almost removed, but not entirely so. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, highlighting its use in contexts like News & Media and Science. While its frequency is uncommon, understanding its nuance—that it implies a near-complete state—is crucial. Avoid using it when complete deletion has occurred; instead, reserve it for situations where traces or remnants might still exist. Alternatives such as "virtually erased" or "practically eliminated" can offer similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

virtually erased

Indicates a near-complete removal, emphasizing the impact.

practically eliminated

Focuses on the practical outcome of almost removing something.

nearly eradicated

Suggests a close call in completely getting rid of something.

almost expunged

Implies a formal or deliberate act of deletion, nearly completed.

effectively removed

Highlights the end result of the deletion process.

essentially wiped out

Emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the near-deletion.

tantamount to deletion

Suggests that the action is equivalent in effect to deleting something.

as good as deleted

Indicates the item is in a state that is functionally the same as being deleted.

for all intents and purposes deleted

Highlights a near total deletion in all practical considerations

to all practical effects deleted

Similar to previous, highlights that the item can be considered like it has been deleted in all practical areas

FAQs

How can I use "all but deleted" in a sentence?

Use "all but deleted" to indicate that something is nearly or almost removed, but not entirely so. For example, "The evidence was "virtually erased", making prosecution difficult."

What phrases are similar to "all but deleted"?

Similar phrases include "practically eliminated", "nearly eradicated", or "effectively removed", each conveying a state of near-deletion.

Is it correct to say "all but deleted"?

Yes, "all but deleted" is a correct and usable phrase in English. It accurately describes a state of near-complete removal.

What's the difference between "all but deleted" and "completely deleted"?

"All but deleted" means something is very close to being deleted but not fully, whereas "completely deleted" implies full removal. The former leaves room for remnants, the latter does not.