almost worn out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "almost worn out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is nearing the end of its useful life or is significantly used or damaged. Example: "After years of use, my favorite pair of shoes is almost worn out and needs to be replaced."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

By that time, Nowell said, "we were almost worn out".

The New York Times - Sports

"This tedious State of Uncertainty and long Waiting, has almost worn out my Patience," he wrote to his wife, asking her to send along a pair of spectacles he had left behind.

The New Yorker

Or, as The New York Evening Post put it in 1808: "Some wells have been dug in the filthiest corners of the town; a small quantity of water has been conveyed in wretched wooden pipes, now almost worn out, for family use; and in a manner scarcely, if at all, preferable to the former method of supplying water by the carts".

The New York Times

Tufnell's back catalogue of fielding indiscretions has been well excavated by now but the best in my eyes – and I did rewind and replay my VHS copy of it until the tape was almost worn out – was his effort that summer to give Steve Waugh one of the most comical run-out let-offs you'll ever see.

The Guardian - Sport

In addition, many of the aircraft being used during the June 1942 operations had been operational since late November 1941 and, although they were well-maintained, many were almost worn out and had become increasingly unreliable.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

To prove my devotion I almost wore out the VHS that I had taped from a late-night Channel 4 screening.

The Guardian - Film

"Sense and Sensibility" almost wears out its welcome in the first few seconds, when we find ourselves in a brief and confusing sex scene, which, needless to say, isn't in the book.

The New Yorker

As the Pogues toured Europe in autumn 1985, they almost wore out a video of Once Upon a Time in America, Sergio Leone's epic tale of Jewish mobsters in interwar New York.

The Guardian - Music

I write this as a fan who almost wore out his first copies of all three of those albums.

Huffington Post

But in the same way that the members of the band Los Del Rio are, at this point, almost surely worn out by questions about the Macarena, Tuggle said he sometimes could not believe just how deep the Dirty Bird, the Falcons' old celebratory dance, became embedded in fans' consciousness.

The New York Times - Sports

CrAlN and AlCrSiN coatings were almost immediately worn out at 600 °C.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the state of an object or a person's energy levels, consider the specific context. Use "almost worn out" to convey that the end is near but not quite reached.

Common error

Avoid using "almost worn out" when a more definitive term is appropriate. If an item is completely unusable, "worn out" is more accurate than "almost worn out".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "almost worn out" primarily functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the state of something nearing the end of its useful life due to wear or exhaustion. This is supported by Ludwig examples showing it used to describe physical objects or a state of being.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "almost worn out" is a grammatically sound adjective phrase used to describe something nearing the end of its useful life due to wear or exhaustion. As confirmed by Ludwig, it commonly appears in News & Media and Wiki sources. While versatile, writers should consider whether "almost" accurately reflects the state of the item or person being described and choose more definitive language when necessary. Alternative phrases include "nearly used up" or "on its last legs". As Ludwig AI points out, it's suitable for general writing, emphasizing its neutral register and usability across various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly used up

Focuses on the depletion of resources or usability.

practically exhausted

Emphasizes the state of being close to complete depletion or fatigue.

close to breaking down

Highlights the imminent failure or cessation of functionality.

on its last legs

An idiomatic expression indicating something is nearing the end of its lifespan or usefulness.

virtually finished

Emphasizes the near completion of the process of wearing out.

about to give out

Indicates an impending failure or collapse due to wear.

nearing the end of its life

Directly states the approaching termination of usability.

in poor condition

Describes the deteriorated state resulting from wear and tear.

getting threadbare

Specifically refers to the wearing thin of fabric or material.

approaching obsolescence

Suggests that the object or system is becoming outdated and unusable.

FAQs

How can I use "almost worn out" in a sentence?

You can use "almost worn out" to describe something nearing the end of its usability due to wear and tear. For example, "My running shoes are "almost worn out" after years of use".

What is a good alternative to "almost worn out"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "nearly used up", "practically exhausted", or "on its last legs".

Is it correct to say "completely worn out" instead of "almost worn out"?

Yes, "completely worn out" is correct if the item is entirely unusable. "Almost worn out" suggests it still has some limited use left.

What's the difference between "almost worn out" and "slightly used"?

"Slightly used" implies minimal wear, while "almost worn out" suggests significant degradation and approaching the end of its lifespan.