almost without exception

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost without exception" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It means that something is true in almost all cases, with very few exceptions. Example: Almost without exception, students are required to wear uniforms at this school.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Almost without exception, they wore nice sweaters.

The New York Times

They were, almost without exception, grimly competent.

The Guardian - Music

Almost without exception, these leaders let him down.

The New York Times - Books

Almost without exception, they go on to elite graduate schools.

The New York Times

Those games are, almost without exception, really, really good.

The Guardian - Tech

But almost without exception, they spoke off the record.

The Guardian

Almost without exception, they are a tsunami of partisan delirium.

The Guardian

Almost without exception, these notifications are depressingly redundant.

The New York Times - Arts

Almost without exception, the performances were first rate.

The New York Times - Arts

And eventually, almost without exception, they all punch it".

The New Yorker

Almost without exception women wear the tudung (headscarf).

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "almost without exception" to convey a strong generalization while acknowledging that exceptions may exist. This adds nuance and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "almost without exception" when you can't confidently support the claim that exceptions are truly rare. If exceptions are significant or common, a weaker qualifier may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost without exception" functions as an adverbial modifier, qualifying a statement to indicate near-universality. This function is supported by Ludwig AI's analysis, confirming that it is grammatically correct and readily used in writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

21%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "almost without exception" is a versatile tool for expressing near-universal truths while acknowledging potential deviations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used, especially in News & Media and scientific contexts. It's important to remember, however, that while it is useful for expressing a strong generalization, one should avoid using it when the exceptions are significant. Alternatives like "virtually always" or "for the most part" may be more appropriate depending on the degree of universality. Keep in mind that while "without exception" is similar, it conveys an entirely unwavering sense of universality, so it's wise to consider the circumstances that may require more nuanced qualifications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost universally

Highlights the widespread agreement or prevalence of the statement's truth.

nearly always

Similar to "virtually always" but with a slightly less emphatic tone.

almost invariably

A more formal synonym that emphasizes the consistent nature of the statement's truth.

virtually always

Replaces "almost without exception" with a simpler, more direct expression of near-universality.

practically without exception

Uses "practically" as a qualifier, suggesting a very high degree of likelihood but not absolute certainty.

in almost every case

Emphasizes the individual instances where the statement holds true, rather than the overall lack of exceptions.

with few exceptions

Focuses on the exceptions rather than the rule, but still conveys a similar meaning of near-universality.

for the most part

Offers a more colloquial alternative, suggesting that the statement is generally true but may not be universally applicable.

by and large

Indicates that the statement is generally true, even if there are some minor variations or deviations.

as a rule

Implies that the statement is a common or typical occurrence, although exceptions are possible.

FAQs

How can I use "almost without exception" in a sentence?

You can use "almost without exception" to indicate that something is generally true but not always. For instance, "Almost without exception, the restaurants in this area close by 10 PM."

What phrases are similar to "almost without exception"?

You can use alternatives like "virtually always", "in almost every case", or "for the most part" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it redundant to use "almost without exception"?

While it might seem redundant, "almost without exception" emphasizes that while exceptions exist, they are rare enough not to invalidate the general statement. The level of emphasis might be needed based on the situation.

What's the difference between "almost without exception" and "without exception"?

"Almost without exception" acknowledges that exceptions exist, while "without exception" implies that something is always true. Therefore, the former is more accurate when there's even a slight chance of an exception.