all but given

USAGE SUMMARY

"all but given" is a correct phrase and it is commonly used in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to express that something is almost certain to happen or that it is almost true, but there may be a small chance that it is not. Example: "His hard work and dedication have made his success all but given." In this sentence, the phrase "all but given" is used to convey that the person's success is almost certain, but there is a small possibility that it may not happen. Another example: "The company's financial struggles have made its bankruptcy all but given." Here, the phrase is used to convey that the company's bankruptcy is highly likely, but there is a possibility that it may not happen.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nalbandian has all but given up.

The Guardian - Sport

Mr. Hipps had all but given up.

The New York Times - Tech

China's AMCs, however, have all but given up on that.

The Economist

Others admitted they had all but given up.

The New York Times

In Poland, Mr. Siwiak's widow has all but given up.

The New York Times

But it has all but given up on Mr Deeds.

The Economist

Investors have all but given Franklin up for dead.

The New York Times

But she had all but given up on French.

The New York Times - Arts

But it has apparently all but given up on theatre.

The Guardian - Arts

Khoem Sarom had all but given up hope.

The Guardian

By winter she had all but given up on love.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "all but given" to convey a strong likelihood or near certainty, while acknowledging a slight possibility of a different outcome. This adds nuance and avoids making absolute claims.

Common error

While "all but given" is widely accepted, avoid overuse in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language like "virtually certain" or "practically assured" "practically assured" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all but given" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing a situation or outcome that is nearly certain. It qualifies nouns, indicating a state approaching completion or inevitability, as illustrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "all but given" is a widely used phrase for expressing near certainty, as confirmed by Ludwig. While grammatically correct and prevalent in news and media, it may be too informal for certain academic or professional contexts. Consider alternatives like ""virtually certain"" for increased formality. The phrase functions as an adjectival modifier and balances confidence with a touch of realism. Ludwig AI's analysis highlights its neutral register and consistent usage across various reliable sources. Always aim to use this phrase to convey a strong likelihood without completely ruling out other possibilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

virtually certain

Emphasizes the near certainty of an event or outcome, focusing on its practical reality.

almost guaranteed

Highlights the high probability of something happening, suggesting a strong likelihood of success or occurrence.

practically assured

Implies that something is nearly guaranteed, differing by placing emphasis on the practical aspect of assurance.

as good as done

Suggests that something is very close to completion or resolution, emphasizing the state of near-accomplishment.

tantamount to

Indicates that something is virtually equivalent to another thing, implying a similar outcome or effect.

for all intents and purposes

Means that something can be regarded as being virtually the same as something else, although it may not be in reality.

in effect

Indicates the practical consequence or result of something, emphasizing the real-world outcome.

next to certain

Emphasizes the high degree of probability, but acknowledging a small degree of uncertainty.

nigh on certain

A more emphatic way to say nearly certain, adding a touch of colloquialism.

pretty much guaranteed

A casual way to express a high degree of certainty, suitable for informal contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "all but given" to indicate that something is almost certain to happen. For example, "With their strong lead, victory is "virtually certain" for the home team."

What phrases are similar to "all but given"?

Similar phrases include "almost guaranteed", ""practically assured"", and "as good as done". They all convey a high degree of certainty.

Is "all but given" appropriate for formal writing?

While acceptable, "all but given" may be too informal for some formal contexts. Consider using phrases like ""virtually certain"" or "tantamount to" for a more polished tone.

What's the difference between "all but given" and "certain"?

"All but given" implies a very high probability but allows for a slight chance of a different outcome. "Certain" suggests absolute assurance with no room for doubt. "All but given" acknowledges the possibility of uncertainty, however small.