almost unbelievably

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost unbelievably" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a sense of incredulity or surprise about a situation or fact that seems difficult to believe. Example: "The results of the experiment were almost unbelievably positive, exceeding all our expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"This is almost unbelievably disgusting.

The Guardian

This, almost unbelievably, is the 112th year.

The New York Times

Almost unbelievably, he has not done that.

Independent

Hua's character is a portrait of almost unbelievably abject victimhood.

The New York Times - Arts

But Mr. Kuczera's life is almost unbelievably different.

The New York Times

But in a mysterious way it is almost unbelievably voluptuous.

The New York Times - Arts

The whole issue was almost unbelievably meaningless and small.

The New Yorker

Almost unbelievably he was starting his first FA Cup final.

The Guardian - Sport

The NUT, almost unbelievably, also wants a shorter working week for teachers.

Independent

In London, almost unbelievably in retrospect, these worries did not register anywhere in the top eight.

The Guardian

Their life cycle — the adaptive web of behaviors they have evolved — is almost unbelievably complex.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "almost unbelievably" to express strong surprise or disbelief, particularly when describing events that defy expectations or seem highly improbable. It adds emphasis to your astonishment.

Common error

Avoid using "almost unbelievably" in overly formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound too informal or subjective. Opt for more neutral and objective language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost unbelievably" primarily functions as an adverbial modifier. It modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb, expressing a high degree of surprise or incredulity towards the statement being made. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "almost unbelievably" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverbial phrase that expresses strong surprise or disbelief. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is valid and suitable for use in a wide range of writing. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, its use adds emphasis to statements that seem improbable or defy expectations. However, it's best to avoid using it in highly formal or academic writing where a more objective tone is preferred. Consider using alternatives like "nearly incredibly" or "practically astonishingly" in some situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly incredibly

Replaces "unbelievably" with "incredibly", keeping the same structure but with a slight shift in emphasis.

practically astonishingly

Substitutes both words for near synonyms, changing the tone slightly towards amazement.

virtually hard to believe

Replaces the adverb with an adjective phrase, conveying a similar sense of disbelief.

scarcely credible

Uses a more formal tone to express the difficulty in believing something.

borderline impossible to accept

Emphasizes the difficulty in accepting a situation, adding a stronger element of rejection.

just about unimaginable

Highlights the lack of precedent or anticipation for an event, implying extreme surprise.

close to unthinkable

Suggests a deviation from established norms or expectations, marking the event as rare.

verging on the miraculous

Implies a sense of wonder and disbelief, akin to something beyond normal explanation.

nigh on surreal

Moves into a realm of dreamlike quality that is hard to grasp and comprehend.

akin to a fairy tale

Introduces an element of fantastical narrative, enhancing the sense of something unreal.

FAQs

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

You can use "almost unbelievably" to express surprise or disbelief about a situation. For example, "The team won the championship, almost unbelievably, after being down by 20 points."

What phrases are similar to "almost unbelievably"?

Similar phrases include "nearly incredibly", "practically astonishingly", or "virtually hard to believe", all of which convey a sense of surprise or incredulity.

Is it correct to say "almost unbelievably"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used to express strong surprise or disbelief. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

When is it best to avoid using "almost unbelievably"?

While appropriate in many contexts, it might be too informal for highly formal or academic writing. In such cases, consider using more objective alternatives like "surprisingly" or "unexpectedly".