almost wholly different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost wholly different" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is largely but not entirely different from something else. Example: "The new design is almost wholly different from the previous version, incorporating many innovative features."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

His voice here is almost wholly different, thicker and more throbbing, a caldron bubbling over.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

But as the Southampton University-based Polling Observatory pointed out, the variation in the size of the lead among the pollsters, from 10 to 12 points on ICM and Comres to 2 to 4 points on Yougov and Survation, is almost wholly down to the different adjustments being applied for turnout, particularly among younger and poorer voters.

The Guardian

Working from the trumpeter's original sessions for Columbia, new versions of familiar Davis pieces have been constructed that are, in some cases, so different from the original as to be almost wholly new tunes.

The New York Times - Arts

These differences between patients and controls were almost wholly due to patients with delusions of communication.

Psychiatry Research

The group is almost wholly state-owned.

The Economist

The new burlesque performers are wholly different.

The New Yorker

After 1945 the almost wholly German population was supplanted by an almost wholly Czech one.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is of a wholly different order.

The Guardian

It's a wholly different environment".

The New York Times - Magazine

The picketers' mission was wholly different.

The New York Times

But now the spell was wholly different.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "almost wholly different" to convey that something has undergone significant changes, but still retains some elements of its original form.

Common error

Avoid using "almost wholly different" when the changes are minor. If something is slightly different, use a more appropriate phrase such as "slightly different" or "somewhat altered".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost wholly different" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a high degree of dissimilarity while acknowledging a slight remaining connection or resemblance. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "almost wholly different" is a grammatically correct and usable way to describe something that has changed significantly but retains some original aspects. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedias, to highlight substantial differences. While alternatives like "nearly entirely distinct" or "largely unlike" exist, "almost wholly different" provides a specific nuance indicating a near-complete transformation. Remember to avoid overstating the degree of change when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly entirely distinct

Emphasizes the high degree of difference with a slight nuance.

almost completely dissimilar

Highlights the lack of similarity.

largely unlike

A more concise way of expressing substantial difference.

mostly different

Simplifies the phrase while retaining the core meaning.

substantially changed

Focuses on the alteration aspect, implying difference.

markedly divergent

Implies that the entities are evolving in separate directions.

significantly altered

Highlights the extent of alteration or modification.

fundamentally modified

Denotes a profound change in the entity's basic characteristics.

virtually unique

Implies uniqueness and individuality.

not quite identical

Highlights divergence from identity.

FAQs

How can I use "almost wholly different" in a sentence?

You can use "almost wholly different" to describe something that is largely, but not entirely, different from something else. For instance, "The new software interface is "almost wholly different" from the previous version."

What phrases are similar to "almost wholly different"?

Alternatives include "nearly entirely distinct", "largely unlike", or "mostly different" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "wholly different" instead of "almost wholly different"?

Saying "wholly different" implies a complete difference, while "almost wholly different" indicates a very large, but not total, degree of change. Use "wholly different" when there is no overlap or similarity whatsoever.

What's the difference between "almost wholly different" and "slightly different"?

"Almost wholly different" implies a significant transformation with only minor elements remaining the same, while "slightly different" indicates only a small degree of change or variation.