almost optimal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost optimal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a solution or outcome that is very close to the best possible but not quite the best. Example: "The algorithm we developed is almost optimal, achieving results that are just slightly below the theoretical maximum efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the case of full observability, an almost optimal filter is derived, where optimality refers to minimizing a worst-case estimation error.

Automatica

In this case, the new algorithm is almost optimal.

Journal of Computational Physics

Numerical experiments exhibit almost optimal levels of parallel efficiency.

Journal of Computational Physics

Numerical convergence rates are given to show that the LSFEM is almost optimal.

Journal of Computational Physics

We give an almost optimal solution for diameter 2 and bounds for large diameters.

Discrete Applied Mathematics

The curvelets allow an almost optimal sparse representation of object with -singularities.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Therefore, our algorithm can achieve almost optimal performance while reducing the complexity significantly.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

This yielded an almost optimal number of 102 top level scaffolds.

Journal of Cheminformatics

Until AC was developed in the 1970s, Huffman coding was considered to be almost optimal.

EURASIP Journal on Information Security

In this case the performance is almost optimal and the bound gets very tight.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

A fully distributed TPA has been proposed and provides an almost optimal solution as centralized solution.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the performance of algorithms or models, use "almost optimal" to realistically represent results that approach but do not perfectly achieve theoretical limits.

Common error

Avoid using "almost optimal" when describing trivial improvements. Reserve it for scenarios where results are significantly close to the best possible outcome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost optimal" functions as an adjectival modifier, typically describing a noun (e.g., solution, performance, result). It indicates that the noun it modifies is very close to being the best possible, but not perfectly so. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "almost optimal" is a versatile and accurate descriptor, especially in scientific and technical contexts, for something that approaches but doesn't quite reach the best possible outcome. Ludwig AI analysis validates that it's grammatically correct and commonly employed in scientific publications to describe algorithm performance, model efficiency, or solution effectiveness. When writing, remember to use "almost optimal" to temper expectations, provide a realistic assessment, and accurately represent results that are significantly close to the theoretical best without being perfect. Alternatives include "nearly optimal" and "close to optimal".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Nearly optimal

Slightly more formal and directly equates to being close to the best.

Virtually optimal

Indicates that the difference from true optimality is negligible.

Close to optimal

Emphasizes the proximity to the ideal condition.

Practically optimal

Highlights that the solution is the best in a practical sense.

Essentially optimal

Conveys the idea that for all intents and purposes, it is optimal.

Approaching optimal

Suggests a movement or trend toward the best condition.

Substantially optimal

Highlights that the result is largely, but not entirely, the best.

Quasi-optimal

A more technical term implying near-optimality.

Near-perfect

Focuses on achieving a state very close to perfection, not just the best solution.

Highly effective

Focuses on the effectiveness of something, implying it is very good but not necessarily the absolute best.

FAQs

How to use "almost optimal" in a sentence?

You can use "almost optimal" to describe a solution, performance, or result that is very close to being the best possible. For example, "The algorithm provides an "almost optimal" solution for this problem".

What can I say instead of "almost optimal"?

You can use alternatives like "nearly optimal", "close to optimal", or "virtually optimal", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "almost optimal" or "most optimal"?

"Almost optimal" is generally preferred because "optimal" already implies the best possible solution. "Most optimal" can be seen as redundant or less precise.

What's the difference between "almost optimal" and "ideal"?

"Almost optimal" implies approaching the best achievable result in a practical or measurable sense, whereas "ideal" represents a theoretical perfect standard that may not be attainable in reality.