almost unbelievable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost unbelievable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is difficult to accept as true or real, often due to its extraordinary nature. Example: "The story of his survival against all odds was almost unbelievable, yet it was entirely true."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Almost unbelievable.

Independent

It's really almost unbelievable".

The New York Times

It was almost unbelievable.

The New York Times - Sports

It is almost unbelievable.

The Guardian - Sport

They're almost unbelievable.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It's almost unbelievable, the camaraderie.

The New Yorker

It's an almost unbelievable tale.

The New York Times

Almost unbelievable," Edgar-Jones says.

The Guardian

It's almost unbelievable that this is happening".

The New York Times

"The consistency's really almost unbelievable," Saban said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's almost unbelievable," Mr. Reshef said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and context when using "almost unbelievable". In formal writing, a more restrained phrase might be appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "almost unbelievable" for minor or trivial matters. Reserve it for situations that genuinely evoke a sense of incredulity to maintain its effectiveness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost unbelievable" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying nouns or pronouns to describe something that is difficult to believe but not entirely impossible. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples showcasing its descriptive use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Social Media

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "almost unbelievable" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjectival phrase that conveys a strong sense of surprise or incredulity. Ludwig AI provides many examples that illustrate its usage across diverse contexts, from formal academic writing to news reports. While versatile, "almost unbelievable" is most common in News & Media and Academia. When using this phrase, remember to consider your audience and the degree of astonishment you wish to convey. While not entirely formal it is better to avoid overuse in contexts that requires objectivity or factual language. The alternative phrases discussed offer nuanced substitutions, enabling precise expression. In conclusion, "almost unbelievable" is a reliable choice for expressing astonishment but remember that, because of its subjective nature, it has to be employed carefully, like any other similar expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly incredible

Substitutes "unbelievable" with "incredible", maintaining the core meaning but with a slightly different nuance.

hardly credible

Emphasizes the difficulty in believing something, focusing on its lack of plausibility.

scarcely believable

Similar to "hardly credible", highlighting the rarity of the belief.

virtually unimaginable

Shifts the focus to the difficulty in conceiving or imagining something.

defies belief

Strongly emphasizes the impossibility of believing something.

bordering on the fantastic

Suggests something is so extraordinary that it approaches the realm of fantasy.

verging on the impossible

Indicates that something is close to being impossible, highlighting its unlikelihood.

difficult to swallow

An idiomatic expression meaning hard to accept or believe.

stretches the imagination

Implies that something requires a significant leap of imagination to believe.

mind-boggling

Highlights the overwhelming and perplexing nature of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "almost unbelievable" to describe events, facts or situations that are difficult to accept as true because they are very surprising or improbable. For example: "The speed at which technology is advancing is "almost unbelievable"".

What are some alternatives to "almost unbelievable"?

Alternatives to "almost unbelievable" include "nearly incredible", "hardly credible", or "scarcely believable". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "almost unbelievable"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Almost" is an adverb modifying the adjective "unbelievable", forming a perfectly acceptable and commonly used adjective phrase.

What is the difference between "almost unbelievable" and "completely unbelievable"?

"Almost unbelievable" suggests a high degree of improbability, but with a slight possibility of being true. "Completely unbelievable" indicates that something is impossible to accept as true; there's no chance of it being real.