almost perfect

USAGE SUMMARY

"almost perfect" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use "almost perfect" when describing something or someone that is nearly perfect, but may have a minor flaw or imperfection. Example: The painting was almost perfect, with vibrant colors and intricate details, except for a small smudge in the corner.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I played almost perfect tennis".

The New York Times - Sports

The confluence was almost perfect.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's almost perfect".

The New York Times

– and almost perfect insignificance.

The Guardian - Sport

This is almost perfect.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Guest: This place is almost perfect.

The New York Times

He would play with almost perfect form.

The New Yorker

He called its performance "almost perfect".

The New York Times

And in 2008, it was almost perfect.

The New York Times

Goldsmith's arching is almost perfect.

The Guardian

The dish was almost perfect.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "almost perfect" to acknowledge minor imperfections while still conveying a high degree of satisfaction or quality. It provides a balanced and realistic assessment.

Common error

Avoid using "almost perfect" when describing something with significant flaws. It can mislead the audience and undermine your credibility. Be honest about shortcomings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost perfect" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It serves to qualify the degree to which something embodies perfection, implying it is nearly without fault. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a common expression in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

31%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "almost perfect" is a common and grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe something nearly without fault. According to Ludwig AI, it is a widely used expression. It's versatility allows its use across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and formal settings. The phrase conveys a largely positive assessment while acknowledging minor imperfections, as evident in the examples from Ludwig. While alternatives like "nigh on perfect" or "virtually flawless" exist, "almost perfect" offers a balanced and realistic evaluation, as long as the imperfections are not overstated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nigh on perfect

Emphasizes how closely something approaches perfection, using a slightly archaic or literary tone.

virtually flawless

Highlights the absence of flaws, suggesting a state that is very close to perfection.

close to ideal

Indicates a proximity to an ideal state, without necessarily implying a lack of flaws.

near perfection

Directly states the proximity to a perfect state.

practically ideal

Suggests that something is ideal in almost all practical aspects.

borderline flawless

Emphasizes the boundary between having flaws and being without them.

just about perfect

Highlights how very close to perfection the subject is, with a slight degree of qualification.

nearly impeccable

Focuses on the extremely high standard and lack of fault.

approaching perfection

Highlights the dynamic nature of becoming perfect.

not far from perfect

Emphasizes the short distance from perfection.

FAQs

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

You can use "almost perfect" to describe something that has very few flaws, such as, "The presentation was "almost perfect", but it needed a bit more data".

What is a good alternative to "almost perfect"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "nigh on perfect", "virtually flawless", or "close to ideal".

Is it better to say "almost perfect" or "perfect"?

It depends on the situation. If something genuinely has no flaws, "perfect" is appropriate. However, "almost perfect" acknowledges minor imperfections and can sound more realistic and credible.

What does "almost perfect" mean?

"Almost perfect" means that something is very close to being without fault, but it still has some small flaws or imperfections.