almost missing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost missing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is nearly absent or lacking, often in a context where something is expected but not fully present. Example: "The report was almost missing the crucial data needed for the analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

The granulite facies is almost missing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, the systematic differentiation and identification of different natural waters are almost missing.

Desalination

The freshly made beds are so comfy we sleep on and on, almost missing breakfast.

The Guardian - Travel

And then Joe threw off the lines and Melanie jumped into the boat, almost missing it.

The New Yorker

Sometimes, Fox lingered too long in a four-shot, almost missing going to a full-screen for the snap.

The New York Times - Sports

For the time being, the necessary harmonization on the regulations concerning these two design fields is almost missing, thus preventing the effective possibility of an integrated design.

Engineering Structures

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

I almost miss Shea.

The New York Times - Arts

I almost miss it.

The Guardian - Travel

I almost missed them".

The New Yorker

Nevertheless, this diagnosis was almost missed.

The New York Times

I almost missed the midges.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "almost missing" to convey a sense of near-absence or a narrow escape from a negative outcome. For example, "The key piece of evidence was "almost missing" from the investigation, which would have changed the entire outcome."

Common error

While "almost missing" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language such as "nearly absent" or "virtually nonexistent" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost missing" functions as an adjectival modifier describing the state of something being close to absence or failure to be present. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

35%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "almost missing" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression that conveys the idea of something being nearly absent or on the verge of not existing. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly fine for use. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts, followed by scientific and academic writing. While versatile, it might be better to use stronger or more formal synonyms like "nearly absent" or "virtually nonexistent" in certain contexts where higher precision is needed. Be mindful of overuse, especially in formal writing where more specific vocabulary may be more suitable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly missed

Focuses on the action of almost failing to catch or experience something.

on the verge of missing

Highlights the imminence of missing something.

nearly absent

Emphasizes the state of being close to non-existence or complete absence.

narrowly avoided missing

Focuses on the successful avoidance of missing something by a small margin.

just about missed

Indicates a very close call in missing something.

virtually absent

Indicates a state that is very close to being completely absent.

all but gone

Suggests that something is practically or effectively gone.

barely there

Highlights the minimal presence or existence of something.

borderline absent

Indicates that something is at the boundary of being considered absent.

scarcely present

Emphasizes the limited or insufficient presence of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "almost missing" to describe something that was nearly absent or wasn't fully there, like "The crucial detail was "almost missing" from the report, nearly derailing the project."

What phrases are similar to "almost missing"?

Similar phrases include "nearly absent", "virtually gone", or "just about missed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "almost missing"?

Yes, "almost missing" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English. It's used to describe something that barely exists or was close to being absent.

What is the difference between "almost missing" and "nearly missed"?

"Almost missing" describes something close to being absent, while "nearly missed" focuses on the action of narrowly avoiding missing something, such as an opportunity or event. The nuance differs depending on the context.