are nearly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are nearly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is close to a certain state or condition, often in terms of quantity or degree. Example: "The results of the experiment are nearly conclusive, suggesting a strong correlation between the variables."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But they are nearly 40.

Independent

Today, they are nearly ubiquitous.

The Economist

But they are nearly so.

The New York Times

The advertisements are nearly identical.

The New York Times

The cabins are nearly identical.

The New York Times

The possibilities are nearly limitless.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Our prisons are nearly full.

The New Yorker

They are nearly there.

The Guardian - Opinion

They are nearly identical.

The New York Times - Travel

Some are nearly finished.

The New York Times

are nearly always taller than residential bldgs.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you need to add emphasis, you can also use other alternatives like almost or virtually.

Common error

Avoid using "are nearly" when describing situations where exactness is important. Instead, verify the exact figure or measurement if possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are nearly" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or adjective. It expresses the degree to which something approaches a certain condition, indicating approximation rather than exactness. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

22%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are nearly" is a grammatically sound and frequently used way to express that something is close to a particular state or condition. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely applicable. It is most commonly found in news, encyclopedias, and academic writing, fitting a neutral to slightly formal tone. While versatile, remember to avoid using it in contexts requiring exactness. Consider alternatives like "are almost" or "are practically" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are almost

Indicates a slightly closer degree of approximation than "are nearly".

are practically

Emphasizes the functional equivalence, even if not exact.

are virtually

Highlights the effect is the same, despite possible technical differences.

are close to

Suggests a less formal and more direct way of expressing approximation.

are approaching

Focuses on the process of getting closer to a state.

are bordering on

Implies that something is on the verge of becoming something else, typically a negative trait.

are verging on

Similar to 'bordering on', suggesting a transition to a new state.

approximate to

A more formal and scientific way of expressing similarity.

are in the vicinity of

A more verbose and less direct way of indicating proximity.

are not far from

Expresses that the current state is close to the target state, but with a slight distancing effect.

FAQs

How can I use "are nearly" in a sentence?

Use "are nearly" to indicate that something is close to a specific state or condition. For example, "The renovations "are nearly complete"" suggests the renovations are close to being finished.

What phrases can I use instead of "are nearly"?

Alternatives to "are nearly" include "are almost", "are practically", or "are close to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "are nearly" or "are almost"?

Both "are nearly" and "are almost" are generally interchangeable. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific context. "Are nearly" may sound slightly more formal.

How does the formality of "are nearly" compare to other similar phrases?

The phrase "are nearly" occupies a neutral to slightly formal register. Phrases like "are close to" are more informal, while phrases like "approximate to" are more formal and scientific.