almost on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is very close to being in a particular state or position, but not quite there yet. Example: "The project is almost on schedule, but we need to address a few more issues before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It happens almost on everything.

Independent

It is run almost on American lines.

The Economist

You're almost on top of the water".

The New Yorker

I was almost on automatic pilot.

The New York Times - Arts

Now he will graduate almost on time.

The New York Times - Magazine

"He was almost on a stretcher".

The New Yorker

So silently, almost on little cat feet.

The New York Times

The taxi even comes, almost on time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Almost on cue, whistles started up again.

The New York Times - Sports

Almost on cue, a lot of racist shit starts happening.

The New Yorker

Location Both history and hedonism are almost on your doorstep.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical proximity, consider the context. "Almost on the table" is precise, but also, "near the table" might give a better flow, and you should always value the later one.

Common error

Avoid using "almost on" when you need to emphasize that something is definitely happening or is already completed. "Almost on" suggests a slight uncertainty or remaining steps. Using 'on' itself could be a more useful verb.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost on" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by a preposition, typically indicating that something is close to achieving a specific state or condition. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "almost on" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as verified by Ludwig. It serves to indicate that something is in close proximity to a certain state or position, whether physically or conceptually. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse writing scenarios. When aiming for variety, consider alternatives such as "nearly on" or "close to being on". Be cautious not to employ "almost on" when emphasizing completed actions or definitively achieved states. Ensure clarity and accuracy in your writing by recognizing the subtle difference between nearing a condition and having completely reached it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly on

Similar in meaning, indicating a state very close to being "on".

virtually on

Indicates a state that is practically, but not completely, "on".

close to being on

Expresses a condition of nearing the state of being "on".

just about on

Implies a state of being very nearly "on".

practically on

Suggests a state that is almost entirely "on".

approaching being on

Indicates a progression towards being "on".

on the verge of being on

Emphasizes the imminence of being "on".

nearing being on

Focuses on the act of getting closer to being "on".

bordering on being on

Suggests a state very close to the edge of being "on".

tantamount to being on

Highlights that the state is functionally equivalent to being "on".

FAQs

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

You can use "almost on" to indicate that something is very close to being in a particular state or position. For example, "The presentation is "almost on point", but needs a few more adjustments".

What are some alternatives to "almost on"?

Some alternatives include phrases like "nearly on", "virtually on", or "close to being on", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "almost on" and "exactly on"?

"Almost on" indicates that something is approaching a certain state or position but hasn't fully reached it yet, while "exactly on" means that something has precisely reached that state or position. For example: "The deadline is "almost on" the horizon, we can take action before being too late".

Can "almost on" be used to describe both physical and abstract concepts?

Yes, "almost on" can be used in both physical and abstract contexts. You might say, "The book is "almost on the table"" (physical) or "The new project is "almost on the right track"" (abstract).