almost all

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost all" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a large majority of a group or category is being referred to, but not every single member. Example: "Almost all of the participants agreed with the proposed changes to the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or almost all.

The New York Times

Now, almost all do.

The Economist

This is almost all.

The New York Times - Books

Well – almost all.

TechCrunch

They're almost all here.

Huffington Post

Overtired almost all the time.

WikiHow

Almost all.

The New York Times

Almost all make losses.

The Economist

Or almost all comers.

Independent

It's almost all white.

The New York Times

Almost all are bunk.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "almost all" when you want to emphasize that something applies to the majority of a group or category, but not absolutely every single member. It's useful for avoiding overgeneralizations.

Common error

Avoid using "almost all" when the statement is true for only a slight majority. In such cases, "most" or "many" would be more accurate and less misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost all" functions as a determiner modifying a noun. It quantifies the noun, indicating that the statement applies to nearly the entirety of the group or category being discussed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "almost all" serves as a valuable tool for expressing near-universal truths. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly within news and media. When writing, remember that it indicates a high degree of generality while acknowledging exceptions. Be cautious not to use it when a statement is only slightly more true than false, as this would constitute an overstatement. Consider alternatives like "nearly all" or "virtually all" to add nuance or adjust the level of emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly all

This alternative is very similar, replacing "almost" with "nearly" to convey the same sense of approximation.

virtually all

This alternative is slightly stronger, suggesting a state that is so close to all it's practically indistinguishable.

essentially all

Focuses on the core or fundamental aspect, implying that deviations are minor or insignificant.

practically all

Highlights the practical reality that nearly everyone or everything is included.

the vast majority

Replaces "almost all" with a noun phrase emphasizing the large proportion.

in most cases

Shifts the focus to typical occurrences rather than totality, suggesting a high likelihood.

for the most part

Indicates that something is generally true, but with possible exceptions.

by and large

Suggests that something is generally true when considering everything.

the great bulk of

Similar to 'the vast majority', it emphasizes the substantial portion of a group or category.

almost without exception

This alternative highlights the near absence of exceptions to the general rule or statement.

FAQs

How can I use "almost all" in a sentence?

You can use "almost all" to indicate that a large majority of something is being referred to, but not every single member. For example, "Almost all of the students passed the exam".

What are some alternatives to using "almost all"?

You can use alternatives like "nearly all", "virtually all", or "essentially all" depending on the context.

Is there a subtle difference between "almost all" and "most"?

"Almost all" suggests a proportion very close to 100%, while "most" indicates a simple majority. "Almost all" implies fewer exceptions than "most".

When is it inappropriate to use "almost all"?

It's inappropriate to use "almost all" when you're referring to a small majority or a roughly equal proportion. In those cases, words like "many", "some", or "about half" would be more accurate.