are almost done

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are almost done" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a task or project is nearing completion. Example: "After several hours of hard work, we are almost done with the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

We are almost done!

The New York Times

The potatoes are almost done.

The New Yorker

And they are almost done with them".

The New York Times

"Steaks are almost done," Lisa calls from the deck.

The New Yorker

By 1990, the repairs to the roof are almost done.

The New Yorker

Either way, the Charlotte Hornets are almost done.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

"I'm almost done".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's almost done".

The New Yorker

Now it is almost done.

Independent

But Obama is almost done being President.

The New Yorker

"We were almost done," Ghaith recalls.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are almost done", ensure the context clearly indicates what is nearing completion to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of just saying "We are almost done", specify "We are almost done with the report".

Common error

Avoid using "are almost done" without a clear referent. Saying "It's almost done" without specifying what "it" refers to can confuse the reader. Always ensure the subject is clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are almost done" functions as a predicative expression indicating the state of near completion. According to Ludwig's examples, this phrase is often used to describe progress in various activities, such as cooking, writing, or project management. It describes nearness to finishing something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are almost done" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that a task or project is nearing completion. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used across various contexts, including news, general web content and business settings. While the phrase maintains a neutral level of formality, consider opting for more formal alternatives like "are nearing completion" in academic or scientific contexts. When using "are almost done", ensure that the subject of the sentence is clear to avoid vagueness. Overall, it’s a valuable phrase in everyday communication to convey the idea of nearing finalization.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are just about finished

Adds emphasis using "just about", which implies very near completion.

are practically complete

Emphasizes that something is very close to being entirely finished, potentially lacking only minor details.

are close to finishing

Replaces "almost done" with "close to finishing", which maintains a similar level of informality.

are nearing completion

Uses a more formal tone by employing "nearing completion" instead of "almost done".

are nearly ready

Focuses on the readiness aspect of something being finished, implying it will soon be available or usable.

are in the final stages

Focuses on the stage of completion rather than the degree of being finished.

will soon be completed

Shifts the focus to the future, indicating that completion is expected shortly.

are on the verge of completion

Employs a more emphatic expression, suggesting imminent completion.

are approaching the finish line

Uses an idiomatic expression, emphasizing the nearing of the end of a process or task.

are drawing to a close

Uses a more metaphorical expression, implying that something is coming to an end.

FAQs

What does "are almost done" mean?

The phrase "are almost done" means that a task, project, or activity is nearing completion. It suggests that the majority of the work has been completed, and only a small portion remains.

What can I say instead of "are almost done"?

You can use alternatives like "are nearing completion", "are close to finishing", or "are practically complete" depending on the context.

Is it okay to use "are almost done" in formal writing?

While "are almost done" is widely understood, it might be perceived as slightly informal. In very formal contexts, consider using more formal alternatives such as "are nearing completion" or "are in the final stages".

How to use "are almost done" in a sentence?

You can use "are almost done" to indicate that something is nearing completion. For example, "The cookies "are almost done", just a few more minutes in the oven", or "We "are almost done" with the presentation, we just need to add the conclusion".