almost everybody

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost everybody" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a large group of people, in which only a small number are excluded. For example: "Almost everybody in the class got an A on the test."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Almost everybody was young.

The New Yorker

Almost everybody wears clothes.

The New York Times - Arts

Almost everybody has one.

The Economist

Almost everybody took photographs.

The New Yorker

Almost everybody hated it.

The New Yorker

Almost everybody is dirt poor.

Independent

Almost everybody nodded in agreement.

The New York Times

Almost everybody else was white.

The New Yorker

Or almost everybody.

The New York Times

That is almost everybody.

The New York Times

Almost everybody ignored him.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "almost everybody", ensure the context clearly indicates the group you are referring to. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the group if there is a chance of misinterpretation.

Common error

Be careful not to use "almost everybody" when referring to a specific group in a particular context if the claim is not supported by sufficient evidence. Ensure you have a basis for claiming near-universal participation or agreement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost everybody" functions as a quantifier, indicating a large majority within a defined group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and employed to express near-universal agreement or participation. Examples from Ludwig illustrate its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "almost everybody" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote a large majority of people. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use. While its meaning is clear, it is essential to use it accurately, ensuring that claims of near-universality are well-founded. Synonyms like "nearly everyone" or "virtually everyone" offer stylistic alternatives, and its application spans across diverse contexts, predominantly in news and media. Always consider the specific context to select the best fitting phrasing for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly everyone

Indicates a slightly more formal tone and a closer approximation to totality than the original phrase.

virtually everyone

Emphasizes the idea that any exceptions are so few as to be negligible.

almost all

Shifts the focus from individuals to a collective, implying that the entire group is considered.

practically everyone

Shares a similar meaning to "virtually everyone", highlighting that any exceptions are negligible.

the vast majority

Highlights the substantial size of the included group compared to the few exceptions.

for the most part everyone

Adds a nuance of general tendency, suggesting possible exceptions but primarily focusing on the norm.

by and large everyone

Indicates an overall impression or general view, which may have minor variations.

in general everyone

Suggests that while there might be some outliers, the statement holds true for the majority.

pretty much everyone

Introduces a more casual tone while still indicating a widespread inclusion.

close to everyone

Implies a degree of approximation, suggesting the number is very near to complete inclusion.

FAQs

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

You can use "almost everybody" to indicate that a large majority of people within a specific group or context share a particular characteristic or belief. For example, "Almost everybody in the office prefers coffee over tea".

What's a more formal way to say "almost everybody"?

More formal alternatives to "almost everybody" include "nearly everyone", "virtually everyone", or "the vast majority". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a subtle difference between "almost everybody" and "almost everyone"?

The phrases "almost everybody" and "almost everyone" are largely interchangeable. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations, as their meanings are essentially identical.

When is it inappropriate to use "almost everybody"?

It is inappropriate to use "almost everybody" when the statement isn't factual, or the claim is not adequately supported by evidence. Avoid it when the statement involves sensitive topics or when precision is required, as it is a generalization.