almost visible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost visible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is nearly seen or perceived, but not quite fully visible. Example: "The outline of the mountain was almost visible through the thick fog."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

The word makes him almost visible.

The Guardian - Books

Polling day seems almost visible on the horizon now.

The Guardian

For such a sunny place, the darkness is almost visible.

The New York Times - Style

Preddie gives off an almost visible aura of positivity.

The Guardian

As for the Republicans, they seized on Lindsey's testimony with almost visible relief.

The New Yorker

Even so he is swaddled in an almost visible happy glow.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Readers of the series lived with Harry, but also with Rowling, as the almost-visible engineer of a great fantasy machine that, in the course of seven volumes, runs with remarkable smoothness.

The New Yorker

The reason I love Game Kids is the way it reflects something I love about gaming in 2015: a shared experience between me and my children, who have almost-visible lightbulbs popping above their heads as they're starting to explore these digital worlds.

The Guardian - Tech

His frustration was almost as visible as the pain on the face of Allen and Williams.

The Guardian - Sport

But you can identify almost any visible celestial object by pointing a Meade mySKY at it.

The New York Times - Tech

Alan Fairlie, who designed the exhibition, has arranged the displays so that the soaring, pale blue dome is almost always visible.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "almost visible" to create a sense of anticipation or mystery, suggesting something is just beyond the threshold of perception. This can be effective in both descriptive and narrative writing.

Common error

Avoid using "almost visible" excessively in descriptive writing, as it can make the description sound vague and weaken the imagery. Strive for more precise language to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost visible" functions primarily as an adjectival modifier, describing a noun by indicating that it is on the verge of being seen or detected. It suggests a state of near-visibility. As noted by Ludwig, it is usable in written english.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "almost visible" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to describe something that is nearly perceptible but not fully seen. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's readily usable in written English. Primarily functioning as an adjectival modifier, it conveys a sense of faintness or something on the verge of becoming apparent. The phrase sees frequent use in "News & Media", but also appears in "Science" contexts, maintaining a neutral register suited for both descriptive and narrative writing. When using "almost visible", aim for precision and avoid overuse to maintain the impact of your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just about visible

Suggests the visibility is marginal and at the limit of perception.

barely perceptible

Indicates something is difficult to perceive, but not completely invisible.

faintly visible

Emphasizes the weak or indistinct nature of the visibility.

nearly discernible

Highlights the quality of being almost distinguishable or recognizable.

scarcely detectable

Focuses on the difficulty in detecting something, making it almost invisible.

indistinctly seen

Focuses on how the lack of clarity makes something approach invisibility

virtually perceptible

Emphasizes that something is close to being perceivable.

hardly noticeable

Indicates the slight visibility makes something challenging to perceive.

shadowy outline

Refers to an almost visible shape, but with a lack of clear details.

nearly apparent

Suggests that something is close to being obvious or evident.

FAQs

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

You can use "almost visible" to describe something that is on the verge of being seen or noticed. For example, "The ship was "almost visible" on the horizon".

What are some alternatives to "almost visible"?

Alternatives include "barely perceptible", "faintly visible", or "nearly discernible", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "nearly visible" instead of "almost visible"?

Yes, "nearly visible" is a perfectly acceptable alternative and carries essentially the same meaning as "almost visible". Both can be used interchangeably in most contexts.

What does "almost visible" imply?

The term "almost visible" implies that something is just at the edge of being seen or noticed, suggesting a state of near-perception. It creates a sense of something being faint, indistinct, or on the verge of becoming apparent.