almost even

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost even" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two or more things are very close in quantity, degree, or quality, but not quite equal. Example: "The scores were almost even, with only a slight difference between the two teams."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Almost even.

The New York Times - Sports

And a significant majority of us find their views abhorrent and almost even barbaric.

The New Yorker

The third session was almost even, with U.S.A.-2 winning by 109 imps to 84.

The New York Times

At this point, the mousse should look almost even in colour.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It means in the coming races even more grey hair because they are almost even now.

The Guardian - Sport

"In our surveys, the two factors are almost even now," Mr. Offsay said.

The New York Times

Other than serving percentage -- and Krajicek was at 58percentt -- the statistics were almost even.

The New York Times - Sports

And the balance, in this uniquely magnanimous production, is almost even.

The Guardian

Since she's almost even with the delegates, she'll want to go halfsies in the government.

The New York Times

But for him, doing as well as he has in the Grand Slams, it's almost even more impressive.

The New York Times - Sports

First-period shots were almost even, with the Rangers taking 13 against Quick and LA responding with 14 on Lundqvist.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "almost even", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being compared and the basis for the comparison. For example, specify whether you are referring to scores, numbers, distribution, or other measurable aspects.

Common error

Avoid using "almost even" when the quantities or values being compared are significantly different. The phrase implies a high degree of proximity, and using it inappropriately can mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost even" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun, describing a state of near equality or balance. Ludwig examples showcase its descriptive use across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

36%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "almost even" is a versatile descriptor used to indicate a state of near-equality across various contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and frequently employed in both news and scientific domains. While alternatives like ""nearly equal"" and "roughly balanced" exist, "almost even" strikes a balance between precision and accessibility. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in specifying what is being compared and that the difference between items are minimal to maintain accuracy. This makes "almost even" a reliable choice for conveying close approximations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly equal

This alternative suggests a close resemblance in quantity or quality, often implying a slight difference.

just about balanced

Expresses a near-perfect equilibrium, with only minimal deviation from complete balance.

roughly balanced

This phrase implies a general equilibrium, without necessarily indicating a precise measurement.

virtually identical

Suggests the items are indistinguishable for all practical purposes, even though minor differences might exist.

practically the same

Highlights that any differences are negligible or inconsequential in most situations.

close to parity

Indicates a situation where two sides or amounts are nearly equivalent in status or number.

approaching equilibrium

Suggests the beginning stages of a state in which two entities have reached some kind of relative equality

in the same ballpark

This informal phrase implies that the quantities are comparable, although not necessarily precise.

neck and neck

Typically used in competitive contexts, this phrase emphasizes the closeness of competitors.

splitting hairs

This idiom suggest that things are very close, and only miniscule differences can set apart each alternative

FAQs

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

The phrase "almost even" is used to describe situations where two or more things are very close in quantity, degree, or quality. For example, "The election results were "nearly equal", making the outcome uncertain".

What are some alternatives to "almost even"?

You can use alternatives like ""nearly equal"", "roughly balanced", or "virtually identical" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "almost evenly" instead of "almost even"?

While "almost evenly" exists, it has a different meaning. "Almost even" is typically used to describe a state of near equality, while "almost evenly" describes how something is distributed or divided. For example, "The workload was distributed "almost evenly" among the team members".

What does "almost even" imply about the difference between two quantities?

The phrase "almost even" implies that the difference between the two quantities is small and insignificant. The difference should be subtle enough that the items being compared can be regarded as practically the same.