almost born

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost born" is not standard in written English and may cause confusion.
It could be used in a creative or metaphorical context, perhaps to describe something that is on the verge of existence or realization. Example: "The idea was almost born during our brainstorming session, but it needed more refinement before it could take shape."

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

"He seems like a guy who was almost born to do this," Lowery said.

The New York Times - Sports

And it brought a subdued end to a 24-year political career that Mr. Gulotta seemed almost born into.

The New York Times

"The bridge is so special to me because I was almost born in it", she says, as her mother went into labour while crossing it over.

The Guardian

She was almost born on the N train in Astoria, because her mother decided not to take a cab to the hospital.

The New York Times

When she finally reaches Barcelona, where many have died, she marches in solidarity with Loyalist troops and feels "almost born again," but her enthusiasm remains largely uninformed because she doesn't speak Spanish.

The New York Times - Books

But drama was always in her blood and Miller was almost born in a theatre, her mother having gone into labour while watching the Nutcracker suite in New York in 1981.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Little Matapari was almost never born.

The New York Times - Books

Whenever I encounter animus toward the military at Yale, it is almost always born of ignorance.

The New York Times

Now we know: Not only was her grandfather of Polish origin, the chancellor almost was born Angela Kazmierczak.

The Guardian

The real point, of course, is that there are almost no born busts in the N.F.L., and no born "elite" quarterbacks.

The New Yorker

This one was almost certainly born north of New York City, and she was captured and banded on Oct. 15, 1983 — coincidentally, by personnel at Dr. Soucy's center.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "almost born" metaphorically to describe something on the cusp of existence or realization in areas beyond literal birth, broadening its expressive potential.

Common error

Avoid overuse in formal or technical writing where clarity and precision are paramount. While evocative, "almost born" is not always the most direct way to convey information and can come across as trite if used excessively.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost born" functions as an adjectival modifier, describing a state of being very close to birth. Ludwig highlights this usage in various examples, emphasizing its role in narrative and descriptive contexts. Its role may cause confusion as reported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "almost born" is a creative and evocative way to describe near-birth experiences or inherent qualities, but Ludwig AI reports that the phrase may cause confusion. While its grammatical correctness is debatable, its use in creative storytelling and anecdotal contexts is acceptable. It is most frequently found in news and media, adding a touch of uniqueness to narratives. Though "almost born" is common, writers should consider its appropriateness in formal or technical contexts, opting for more precise language when necessary. Remember alternatives such as "nearly born".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly born

Simple synonym emphasizing proximity in time to birth.

virtually born

Highlights that the birth condition was extremely close.

practically born

Similar to 'virtually', stressing a very near birth experience.

as good as born

Emphasizes the certainty or inevitability of being born.

on the verge of being born

Focuses on the state of being extremely close to birth.

on the brink of birth

Like 'on the verge', highlighting the imminence of birth.

predisposed from the womb

Changes focus to inherent qualities that might be seen as innate.

innately inclined

Shifts focus to the idea of inherent talent or inclination.

destined from conception

Suggests fate or destiny related to qualities from the very beginning.

seemingly destined from birth

Implies a natural fit or destiny from the moment of birth.

FAQs

How can the phrase "almost born" be used in a sentence?

The phrase "almost born" can be used to describe a situation where someone narrowly missed being born in a specific place or time, such as, "She was "almost born" on a train."

What are some alternatives to "almost born"?

Alternatives to "almost born" include phrases like "nearly born", "virtually born", or "practically born", which convey a similar meaning of being very close to birth.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "almost born"?

The phrase "almost born" is often suitable in storytelling, personal anecdotes, or creative writing to add a touch of uniqueness or humor. It is less appropriate in formal or technical writing that requires precise language.

Is it grammatically correct to use "almost born"?

While not a standard or formal grammatical construction, "almost born" is generally acceptable in informal contexts and creative writing. Its meaning is usually clear, and it adds a distinctive flavor to the narrative. It could be replaced with more standard alternatives such as "nearly born".