almost exactly

USAGE SUMMARY

"almost exactly" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is nearly, but not entirely, precise or accurate. Example: The architect's design for the new building was almost exactly what the client had envisioned.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Almost exactly.

The New York Times

That chance is almost exactly fifty-fifty.

The New Yorker

That is almost exactly how it happened.

The New York Times - Sports

It's almost exactly the same.

The Guardian - Music

Almost exactly like that, yes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And that's almost exactly what I did".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Bristol City, almost exactly a year ago.

The Guardian - Sport

I was almost exactly the opposite.

The New York Times - Magazine

That was almost exactly Anthony's experience.

The Guardian - Film

Almost exactly the opposite has happened here.

The New Yorker

It's almost exactly the size and shape of the iPhone.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "almost exactly" to show a close approximation rather than absolute precision. This adds nuance and realism to your writing, acknowledging potential minor variations.

Common error

Avoid using "almost exactly" when absolute precision is required. If measurements or data need to be exact, use phrases that reflect certainty, not approximation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "almost exactly" is as an adverbial phrase modifying another adverb or adjective. It serves to qualify the degree or extent to which something is exact, indicating a high, but not absolute, level of precision. Ludwig examples confirm this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "almost exactly" functions as an adverbial phrase used to express a high degree of approximation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across diverse writing scenarios. The phrase is most frequently encountered in news and media, science, and wiki contexts, denoting a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communications. When using "almost exactly", it's crucial to remember that it indicates nearness, not absolute precision. Alternatives like "nearly precisely" or "practically identical" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly precisely

Emphasizes the nearness to precision, focusing on the accurate detail.

practically identical

Highlights the near indistinguishability between two things.

virtually the same

Indicates that for all practical purposes, things are equivalent.

in effect the same

Highlights that the final result or outcome is nearly the same.

substantially similar

Indicates a close resemblance, though not necessarily in every detail.

close to perfect

Suggests a high degree of accuracy and fulfillment.

very close

A simple and direct way to express nearness.

pretty much the same

An informal way to convey high similarity.

not far off

Indicates that something is near but not perfectly accurate or correct.

just about the same

Suggests approximate equivalence.

FAQs

What does "almost exactly" mean?

The phrase "almost exactly" indicates that something is very close to being precise or accurate, but not perfectly so. It suggests a high degree of approximation.

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

You can use "almost exactly" to describe measurements, comparisons, or situations where something is nearly, but not completely, precise. For example, "The copy was "virtually identical" to the original".

What are some alternatives to "almost exactly"?

Some alternatives include "nearly precisely", "practically identical", or "virtually the same", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "almost exactly" or "exactly"?

Use "almost exactly" when you want to acknowledge a small margin of error or variability. If something is truly precise without any deviation, use "exactly". Otherwise, consider alternatives like "just about the same" or "very close".