almost essential

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost essential" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very important or necessary, but not absolutely required. Example: "While the software is not mandatory, it is almost essential for streamlining our workflow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

I think it's almost essential".

The New York Times

imprimatur has become almost essential to the authority's survival.

The New York Times

In fact, a Southern-style summer of hot days and warm nights is almost essential for success.

The New York Times

Over the past 400 years, caffeine has become an almost essential part of everyday life in the western world.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But given the bloated size of today's software, four gigabytes of RAM has become almost essential, and eight gigabytes preferable.

The Economist

It is essential to be a Party member if one wishes to become a Minister, almost essential for election to the assemblies, and essential in an army officer and among diplomats.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

It's the title track that captures the album at its most essential, featuring almost six extra minutes from the single version.

Huffington Post

Finding a partner to produce cable shows is almost always essential for financial reasons, but not always easy.

The New York Times

But the definition of war crime became almost as essential to my work in Kosovo as my pen and notebook or my tape recorder.

The New York Times - Magazine

On almost every essential issue with which he dealt — Berlin, nuclear policy, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, disarmament, the future organization of Europe — fundamental divergencies with Washington were inherent.

The New York Times

It has become almost an essential piety even among his opponents that a special pathos clings to his supporters, who know not what they do, but are themselves victims of forces larger than they.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "almost essential", consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the degree of necessity. If something is truly indispensable, opt for "essential" instead.

Common error

Avoid using "almost essential" when describing trivial items. Reserve it for situations where the subject is genuinely important, even if not completely indispensable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost essential" functions as a qualifying adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by indicating a high degree of necessity without being absolute. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, effectively expressing something close to being indispensable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

38%

Wiki

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "almost essential" is a versatile adjective phrase used to express that something is highly important or necessary, but not absolutely required. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and general writing, it's important to consider its nuanced meaning. Alternatives like "nearly indispensable" or "highly advisable" can provide similar meaning. Be mindful of overstating importance and ensure the phrase accurately reflects the degree of necessity in the context. "Almost essential" strikes a balance between highlighting significance and acknowledging that something isn't strictly mandatory.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly indispensable

Emphasizes the high degree of necessity, bordering on irreplaceable.

virtually required

Highlights the practical necessity, suggesting it's extremely difficult to do without.

practically mandatory

Suggests a strong degree of recommendation, close to being compulsory.

highly advisable

Focuses on the recommendation aspect, indicating a strong suggestion.

strongly recommended

Similar to 'highly advisable' but with a more formal tone.

close to vital

Highlights the importance and near-critical nature.

de facto necessary

Implies necessity in practice, even if not formally declared.

tantamount to crucial

Equates the phrase to something of critical importance.

effectively requisite

Emphasizes practical requirement in a given situation.

approaching indispensable

Highlights the trend toward becoming indispensable.

FAQs

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

You can use "almost essential" to describe something that is very important or necessary, but not absolutely required. For example: "While the software is not mandatory, it is "almost essential" for streamlining our workflow."

What's the difference between "almost essential" and "essential"?

"Essential" means something is absolutely necessary or indispensable. "Almost essential" means something is very important and highly recommended, but not strictly required. It indicates a strong degree of importance without being an absolute necessity.

What can I say instead of "almost essential"?

You can use alternatives like "nearly indispensable", "virtually required", or "highly advisable depending on the context".

Is it correct to say something is "almost essential"?

Yes, it is correct. The phrase "almost essential" is commonly used to describe something that is highly beneficial or important, but not strictly necessary. It is recognized and understandable in English.