almost all countries

USAGE SUMMARY

"almost all countries" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "Almost all countries have enacted measures to contain the spread of Covid-19."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In almost all countries fertility is falling.

The Economist

These surveys are now conducted in almost all countries.

The Economist

Almost all countries will send their heads of government.

The Guardian

In almost all countries, public expenditure accounts for the majority of health-care spending.

The Economist

And although almost all countries have made it illegal, most do not enforce the rules.

The Economist

Almost all countries will be what we now call lower-middle income or richer.

Independent

Global terrorism is nevertheless the major concern of almost all countries.

Independent

In almost all countries with existing data, acceptance of violence against women had decreased over time.

The Guardian

Almost all countries currently in an IMF programme are repeat borrowers.

The Guardian - Opinion

The practice is declining in almost all countries, but it is still frighteningly widespread.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We do have a Trade Deficit with Canada, as we do with almost all countries".

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "almost all countries", consider whether specifying the few exceptions would add valuable context or precision to your statement. If the exceptions are significant, it might be more accurate to name them or quantify the extent of the exceptions.

Common error

Avoid using "almost all countries" when the exceptions are substantial or represent a significant portion. It's crucial to ensure your statement accurately reflects the global landscape and doesn't mislead readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost all countries" functions as a determiner phrase, specifically a quantifier, that modifies a noun ("countries"). It indicates a large proportion of the entities being referenced. Ludwig AI confirms this is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

33%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "almost all countries" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to describe situations, trends, or characteristics prevalent in a significant majority of nations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously, considering whether specifying exceptions or quantifying the proportion would enhance accuracy and clarity. The phrase is acceptable in a variety of contexts, including news, scientific reports, and general discussions. Alternatives like "most nations" or "the majority of countries" can be employed depending on the desired emphasis. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase serves to effectively communicate a widespread condition or phenomenon.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly all nations

Very similar, but with a slightly stronger emphasis on the approximation to 'all'.

virtually all countries

Emphasizes that any exceptions are negligible or inconsequential.

the majority of countries

Focuses on the proportion being more than half, but not necessarily near totality.

most nations

A more formal alternative, emphasizing the sovereignty of the entities.

the vast majority of countries

Highlights the large proportion, suggesting the few exceptions are insignificant.

by and large all countries

Indicates a general statement that is mostly but not entirely true of all countries.

for the most part all countries

Similar to 'by and large', suggesting that the statement applies generally.

a preponderance of countries

A more formal alternative, indicating a significant weight or influence.

the bulk of nations

Focuses on the greater part or main mass of countries.

countries in great part

A more uncommon expression meaning similarly but sounding slightly awkward.

FAQs

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

You can use "almost all countries" to make a generalization about a widespread phenomenon or characteristic. For example, "Almost all countries have signed the Paris Agreement on climate change".

What is a good alternative to "almost all countries"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "most nations", "the majority of countries", or "nearly all nations".

Is it more accurate to say "almost all countries" or "virtually all countries"?

Both "almost all countries" and "virtually all countries" imply that there are very few exceptions. "Virtually all countries" emphasizes that any exceptions are negligible, while "almost all countries" is slightly less emphatic.

When should I avoid using "almost all countries"?

Avoid using "almost all countries" if the exceptions are significant in number or importance. In such cases, it's better to be more specific or quantify the proportion of countries that do fit the description.