almost out of existence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost out of existence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is nearing extinction or is on the verge of disappearing completely. Example: "Due to habitat destruction, the species is almost out of existence, and urgent conservation efforts are needed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

The middle class has been squeezed almost out of existence.

The New York Times

Its extortion racket has squeezed Michoacán's once-prosperous avocado growers and nightclubs almost out of existence.

The Economist

Today some of the most sophisticated neoclassicists have refined the assumptions almost out of existence.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Woman has been symbolized almost out of existence," Katherine Anne Porter wrote, in 1950.

The New Yorker

As men well know, size is everything, so bushes were pruned almost out of existence to allow just a handful of fruits to be coaxed to supersize proportions.

Independent

The digital panopticon of CCTV and other surveillance technologies ensures those same landscapes are mapped, recorded and classified almost out of existence.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

I'm almost out of cash".

The New Yorker

One of six community colleges in the CUNY system, the school was almost merged out of existence on more than one occasion.

The New York Times

Prices from £8.50 per person per night (01946 758 198; www.lakelandcampingbarns.co.uk) What Google will tell you... "In the 1930s camping was almost snuffed out of existence by a series of government bills designed to restrict its growth.

Independent

The ruling powers in English soccer made an example of Luton and almost drove it out of existence.

The New York Times - Sports

Balancing gracefully between reverence and irreverence while deftly eluding irony, they jettison so much of painting's traditional baggage that they almost question themselves out of existence.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "almost out of existence", ensure the context clearly establishes what is nearing disappearance. Providing specific details enhances the impact and clarity of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "almost out of existence" when referring to temporary states or minor reductions. This phrase implies a severe, near-total depletion or disappearance, and using it lightly diminishes its impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost out of existence" functions as a descriptive prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or noun phrase. It indicates that something is in a state of near-disappearance. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "almost out of existence" effectively conveys a state of near-total disappearance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, particularly in news media, business, and academic settings. While alternatives like "nearly extinct" or "on the verge of disappearing" may be suitable depending on the specific context, "almost out of existence" provides a versatile and impactful way to describe something nearing its end. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly defines what is in decline to maximize clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly extinct

Focuses specifically on the state of being close to extinction, often used for species or phenomena.

on the verge of disappearing

Emphasizes the imminence of disappearance, highlighting the precarious situation.

close to vanishing

Highlights the near completion of the act of vanishing.

practically nonexistent

Indicates that something is so reduced that it is as if it doesn't exist.

virtually absent

Focuses on the lack of presence, suggesting a state close to non-existence.

nearing obliteration

Uses a stronger term, "obliteration", to suggest complete destruction or disappearance.

fading into obscurity

Describes a gradual disappearance, often used in contexts of relevance or memory.

becoming obsolete

Focuses on the loss of usefulness or relevance, leading to eventual disappearance.

dying out

Implies a gradual process of decline and eventual disappearance, often used for populations or traditions.

on its last legs

An idiomatic expression indicating that something is nearing its end or cessation.

FAQs

How can I use "almost out of existence" in a sentence?

Use "almost out of existence" to describe something that is nearing complete disappearance. For instance, "Due to deforestation, the habitat of this species is "almost out of existence".".

What are some alternatives to saying "almost out of existence"?

You can use alternatives such as "nearly extinct", "on the verge of disappearing", or "practically nonexistent" depending on the specific context. The alternative "nearly extinct" is more suitable when referring to a species.

Is it appropriate to use "almost out of existence" in formal writing?

Yes, "almost out of existence" is appropriate for formal writing. While not overly technical, it clearly communicates a state of near-total depletion or disappearance and is supported by examples in academic and news contexts.

What's the difference between "almost out of existence" and "out of existence"?

"Almost out of existence" implies that something is nearing complete disappearance but still exists to some extent. In contrast, "out of existence" means something has completely disappeared and no longer exists. The former is a state of decline, while the latter is a final state of non-existence.