almost free

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost free" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is nearly without cost or very low in price, but not entirely free. Example: "The event is almost free, with only a small donation requested for entry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It was almost free".

The Economist

But here, after 18, they're almost free.

The New York Times

A bath, for example, is almost free.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Truly, this is the land of the (almost) free.

The Guardian - Travel

Many of the day parties are free, or almost free.

The Guardian - Music

"Now I can say, I am almost free of it".

The Guardian - Books

Thanks to generous subsidies paid for out of oil revenue, gas and electricity are almost free.

Independent

"Iceland is still a place where you can players for almost free.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Stuff by Slavoj Zizek, for example, who writes rambling, almost free-association thoughts about contemporary life.

Independent

"We have some American Christians," he said, who are "almost free-basing a sense of fear".

The New Yorker

Free or almost-free trade is a fact.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the benefits of a product or service, use "almost free" to highlight the cost-effectiveness without misleadingly claiming it's entirely free. For example: "With rebates, these energy-efficient lights are "almost free".

Common error

Avoid using "almost free" when there are significant associated costs or hidden fees. Be transparent about any conditions that apply. Don't say "the software upgrade is "almost free"" if it requires a mandatory paid training course.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost free" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjective phrase, describing a noun by indicating its cost is very low. Ludwig's examples show it describing items, services or experiences with minimal financial burden.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

26%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "almost free" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote something that is very inexpensive but not entirely without cost. According to Ludwig, its primary function is to modify nouns, highlighting their affordability across various contexts. While Ludwig AI classifies the phrase register as neutral, the phrase is more common in News and Science. When writing, it's best to use the phrase to emphasize the cost-effectiveness, but always be transparent about any underlying costs or conditions to prevent misleading your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly free

Indicates something is close to being free, implying only a slight cost.

practically free

Suggests that something is so inexpensive that it's essentially free.

virtually free

Emphasizes that the cost is so low it's as good as free.

next to nothing

Expresses the idea that something costs very little.

almost costless

Highlights the minimal expense involved.

for a song

An idiomatic expression meaning something is bought or sold very cheaply.

at a bargain price

Indicates that something is being sold at a significantly lower price than usual.

low-cost

A straightforward term indicating reduced price.

minimally priced

Describes something with a very small price tag.

cheap as chips

British slang indicating something is very inexpensive.

FAQs

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

You can use "almost free" to describe something that has very little cost associated with it, but isn't completely free. For example, "The app is "almost free", with only a small charge for premium features".

What can I say instead of "almost free"?

You can use alternatives like "nearly free", "practically free", or "virtually free" depending on the context.

Is it misleading to describe something as "almost free" if there are hidden costs?

Yes, using "almost free" can be misleading if there are significant hidden costs. It's best to be transparent about all associated expenses. A more appropriate phrase might be "low cost" with full disclosure of fees.

What's the difference between "almost free" and "dirt cheap"?

"Almost free" suggests that something is close to having no cost, while "dirt cheap" implies that something is extremely inexpensive, possibly even of low quality. The phrases are similar, but the latter has a more informal tone.