almost or completely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost or completely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state or condition that is either nearly achieved or fully achieved. Example: "The project is almost or completely finished, depending on how you define completion."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

What has changed most over the past century is that today's academic medical centers are almost or completely financially independent from their parent universities.

The New York Times - Health

She and Charlotte Gibbons wielded their own lights, using their bodies as shields so that the stage was often almost or completely dark.

The New York Times - Arts

Others survive in stagnant, almost or completely deoxygenated waters, either by taking in water at the surface film, or by breaking surface and gulping air, although no accessory respiratory structures are developed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Veins yellow to orange in color; vein R4 + 5 almost or completely closed.

The Journal of Basic and Applied Zoology

Various non-silicate (salt) fallouts were observed at the Aso volcano during periods when the crater lake had almost or completely disappeared.

Earth, Planets and Space

The 45 patients on average lived a couple months longer than they would have with no treatment, and two patients' tumors almost or completely disappeared.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

The reviews that follow, with a few exceptions, concentrate on the almost famous or completely unknown.

The New York Times - Arts

Like the MT phase tensor (Caldwell et al. 2004), the (quasi-) electric phase tensors are almost free or completely free from galvanic distortion.

Earth, Planets and Space

But decision-making is almost never simple or completely rational.

Science Magazine

A procedure that selects almost all variables, or completely new variables, each time, will produce very similar and small selectivity scores for all variables.

Algorithms for Molecular Biology

Growth of the mixed vegetation (plants and algae) was associated with the complete removal of NH4+-N from both tanks by day 20 and orthophosphate concentrations were also almost completely reduced, or completely reduced, over this period (Table  4, Figure  3, Additional file 3).

Biotechnology for Biofuels

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "almost or completely" to convey a nuanced sense of approximation versus finality, particularly when the distinction matters. For example, "The renovation is "almost or completely" finished, depending on whether the final touches are included."

Common error

While acceptable, overuse of "almost or completely" can make writing seem less precise. In formal contexts, consider stronger, more specific alternatives like "virtually" or "entirely" for a more impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost or completely" functions as a qualifier or intensifier, modifying verbs or adjectives to indicate the degree to which an action or state is realized. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

18%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "almost or completely" is a versatile qualifier used to express a state that is either nearing or has reached its entirety. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and widely applicable in English writing. It functions as a qualifier, adding nuance to descriptions of actions or states. While found across different registers, it appears most frequently in scientific contexts and news media. When aiming for precision, especially in formal writing, consider alternatives like "virtually or entirely". By understanding its function and context, you can effectively use "almost or completely" to add depth to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly or fully

This alternative uses simpler synonyms for "almost" and "completely", maintaining the same meaning.

virtually or entirely

This alternative replaces "almost" with "virtually" and "completely" with "entirely", offering a slightly more formal tone.

practically or totally

This alternative substitutes "almost" with "practically" and "completely" with "totally", providing a more casual feel.

approaching or achieving completion

This phrase elaborates on the idea of nearing or reaching the end, making it more descriptive but less concise.

close to or at full extent

This alternative focuses on the degree or scope of something, rather than its finished state.

bordering on or having reached totality

This phrase offers a more formal and emphatic way to express the idea of something being near or at its limit.

in the vicinity of or at absolute perfection

This alternative uses heightened language to suggest nearness or attainment of an ideal state.

nearing or having attained perfection

This alternative focuses on the attainment of an ideal state but omits the negative connotations implied by "almost".

on the verge of or having reached culmination

This alternative implies a decisive turning point or climax, suggesting greater significance.

somewhat or absolutely

This alternative uses more general terms to convey the sense of partial or complete achievement.

FAQs

How can I use "almost or completely" in a sentence?

You can use "almost or completely" to describe something that is either very close to being finished or is entirely done. For example, "The project is "almost or completely" finished, pending final review".

What's a formal alternative to "almost or completely"?

In formal writing, consider using phrases like "virtually or entirely", or "nearly or fully" for a more precise and impactful tone.

When is it better to use "almost" vs. "almost or completely"?

Use "almost" when you want to emphasize that something is close but not quite finished. Use "almost or completely" when the distinction between being near completion and total completion is relevant to the context.

Which is more common: "almost or completely" or "nearly or completely"?

"Almost or completely" and "nearly or completely" are both common, but the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Almost" implies a slight shortfall, while "nearly" suggests a closer approximation.