almost stationary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost stationary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is nearly not moving or is very close to being at rest. Example: "The car was almost stationary as it approached the stop sign."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

What I cannot convey is the abruptness of the swallows' flight, the way they make me feel almost stationary.

The New York Times

I can't agree, since Tejada was almost stationary, there behind second, while the rule, I think, is about blurry high-speed events.

The New Yorker

Similarly, the rim of the disc is rising and falling at a quickening pace, but the disc is almost stationary when looked at from above.

The New York Times - Science

The problem last week was that the airplane was moving fast and hitting an object that was almost stationary, relatively speaking.

The New York Times

The air stream is set into oscillation when it is forced over the hill, and the clouds form in the crests of the (almost) stationary waves.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thus, although the barrier's position appears almost stationary, it actually undergoes continual change by calving and melting that accompany northward movement of the shelf ice.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Thereafter, Bonnie became nearly stationary for almost 24 hours.

Wikipedia

Cindy remained nearly stationary for almost a day, dropping copious rainfall over the Texas coastal plain, before finally turning west-southwestward and dissipating west of Corpus Christi on 20 September.

Wikipedia

In the muggy, still air, the ships almost appeared stationary, said Michael Dolan.

The New York Times

He was almost a stationary target for defensive players jamming him at the line of scrimmage, and his limited mobility reduced the number of alignments the Giants could use him in.

The New York Times - Sports

Returning signals are added up by the US machine [8], resulting in almost complete stationary tissue cancellation, with a strong contrast agent signal.

Insights into Imaging

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing subtle changes or movement, use "almost stationary" to convey that while not completely still, the subject's motion is minimal and negligible.

Common error

Avoid using "almost stationary" when the subject is entirely motionless; opt for "stationary" or "motionless" to accurately depict the absence of movement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost stationary" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe its state of near immobility. Ludwig examples showcase its use in various contexts, from describing physical objects to abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "almost stationary" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a state of near immobility. It functions as an adjectival phrase and is versatile enough for both formal and informal contexts, though it appears more frequently in scientific and news-related content. According to Ludwig, the phrase is valid. While several alternatives exist, such as ""nearly motionless"" and ""virtually static"", the best choice depends on the specific nuance you intend to convey. Remember to use "almost stationary" when there is slight movement; otherwise, "stationary" is more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly motionless

Emphasizes the lack of motion to a higher degree, suggesting a state closer to absolute stillness.

virtually static

Highlights the unchanging aspect, implying that any movement is negligible.

practically unmoving

Focuses on the absence of significant movement, indicating that any motion is inconsequential.

close to immobile

Stresses the difficulty or inability to move, rather than the absence of motion itself.

scarcely moving

Indicates a minimal amount of movement, drawing attention to how little it is.

barely mobile

Similar to 'scarcely moving', this underlines the limited capacity for movement.

effectively still

Suggests that although there may be some motion, it doesn't alter the overall impression of stillness.

as good as stationary

An idiomatic expression suggesting the subject is so close to motionless, it may as well be stationary.

almost at rest

Focuses on the state of being at rest, implying that the subject is nearing a complete stop.

in a state of quasi-equilibrium

Describes a condition where the forces are balanced or unchanging over time, often used in scientific contexts.

FAQs

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

"Almost stationary" is used to describe something that is nearly still. For example, "The car was "almost stationary" when the light turned green."

What are some alternatives to saying "almost stationary"?

Alternatives include "nearly motionless", "virtually static", or "practically unmoving", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "almost stationary" instead of "stationary"?

Use "almost stationary" when something has minimal movement but is not completely still. If the object is entirely still, "stationary" is more accurate.

Is "almost stationary" formal or informal?

"Almost stationary" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and tone of the writing.