almost annually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost annually" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an event or occurrence that happens nearly every year, but not quite on a strict annual basis. Example: "The festival takes place almost annually, attracting visitors from all over the country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Hospital records (1990-1997) of a tea company in the Kericho district, western Kenya, showed malaria epidemics almost annually from May to July, with an annual attack rate of 50%, 857 hospitalizations per 100,000 per year, and 42 deaths per 100,000 per year; 32% of deaths in hospitalized patients were caused by malaria.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Diop has made the trek back almost annually.

The New York Times - Sports

A: Almost annually for the last 20 years, I think.

The Guardian

She visited almost annually and retained her Icelandic citizenship.

The New York Times - Arts

He has returned to the book almost annually for guidance and inspiration.

The New York Times

Written reports from the earliest visitors describe the scene as being burned almost annually.

The New York Times

When harvests fail, which they do almost annually, that number shoots up.

The Economist

A prolific writer, Goodspeed produced a new book of biblical scholarship almost annually.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Subsequently they toured almost annually as a quintet in Europe, Japan, and the United States.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Rousseau exhibited in them almost annually until his death in 1910.

The New York Times - Arts

Subsequent volumes then appeared almost annually, covering the whole of his career.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "almost annually", ensure the context clearly indicates the slight deviation from a strict yearly occurrence. This can prevent misinterpretations about the event's regularity.

Common error

Avoid using "almost annually" if the event's occurrence is highly irregular or unpredictable. Opt for phrases like "occasionally" or "periodically" to better reflect the actual frequency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost annually" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the frequency of an action or event. It indicates that something happens nearly every year, but not necessarily with perfect consistency. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for describing recurring but not perfectly regular occurrences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

23%

Science

19%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "almost annually" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverbial phrase that describes events occurring on a near-yearly basis. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys a recurring pattern with the understanding of occasional deviations. Its neutral tone makes it appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. For more formal settings, consider precise alternatives such as "nearly every year" or "approximately once a year". Remember to use "almost annually" only when a yearly recurrence is generally expected but not guaranteed. With an expert rating of 4.5 based on grammatical correctness, source authority, and usage consistency, its versatility and widespread adoption render it a reliable choice for expressing near-annual frequency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly every year

Replaces "almost" with "nearly", focusing on the frequency occurring close to each year.

practically annually

Substitutes "almost" with "practically", indicating a very high likelihood of annual recurrence.

virtually every year

Emphasizes that it happens close to every year but with potential slight differences.

on an almost yearly basis

Adds a more descriptive, albeit slightly more verbose, way of expressing the near-annual occurrence.

close to every year

A more casual alternative, expressing the concept in a simpler manner.

approximately each year

Uses "approximately" for "almost", providing a more statistical tone to the phrase.

around once a year

Expresses the concept with an emphasis on the 'once a year' aspect, using 'around' to soften the exactness.

just about every year

This phrase uses 'just about' to convey the 'almost' quality, adding a touch of informality.

frequently each year

Shifts focus from 'almost' to 'frequent', suggesting a high incidence but not necessarily tied to a year.

regularly on a yearly basis

Conveys a sense of planned, consistent recurrence close to each year.

FAQs

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

You can use "almost annually" to describe events that occur nearly every year but not necessarily with perfect consistency. For example, "The conference is held "almost annually", with occasional skips due to unforeseen circumstances."

What's a synonym for "almost annually"?

Alternatives to "almost annually" include "nearly every year", "practically annually", or "approximately once a year", depending on the desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "almost annually"?

Yes, "almost annually" is a correct and widely used phrase to describe something that happens close to every year. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources.

What is the difference between "annually" and "almost annually"?

"Annually" means something happens every year without fail. "Almost annually" indicates it happens nearly every year, suggesting it might occasionally be skipped or rescheduled.