are practically nonexistent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are practically nonexistent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is almost completely absent or lacking in a particular context. Example: "In this remote area, public transportation options are practically nonexistent, making it difficult for residents to travel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Rivers are practically nonexistent.

The New York Times - Travel

Security guards are practically nonexistent.

The New York Times

Courses on contemporary rappers are practically nonexistent.

The Washington Post

But that is only part of the reason his utility bills are practically nonexistent.

The New York Times

Leasing arrangements for military equipment, like the proposed Boeing-Air Force deal, are practically nonexistent.

The New York Times

They were not produced commercially, and written recipes and descriptions are practically nonexistent.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Legroom is practically nonexistent.

The New York Times - Travel

Hired help was practically nonexistent.

The New York Times

And privacy is practically nonexistent.

The New York Times

And experts say enforcement is practically nonexistent.

The New York Times

His immune system was practically nonexistent.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are practically nonexistent", ensure the context clearly indicates a near-complete absence rather than a partial or potential absence. This strengthens the statement's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "are practically nonexistent" when the subject is merely scarce or infrequent, not virtually absent. Using it inappropriately can weaken your argument and mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are practically nonexistent" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a subject as being almost completely absent. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are practically nonexistent" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate that something is almost entirely absent. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it’s suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and scientific writing. While alternatives like "are virtually nonexistent" or "are nearly absent" exist, ensure you use the phrase accurately to avoid overstating the absence. Understanding its function and communicative purpose will enhance your writing and ensure clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are virtually non-existent

Replaces "practically" with "virtually", emphasizing the near-complete absence.

are almost nonexistent

Substitutes "practically" with "almost", indicating a very slight possibility of existence.

are effectively nonexistent

Replaces "practically" with "effectively", focusing on the practical outcome of non-existence.

are essentially nonexistent

Uses "essentially" instead of "practically", highlighting the fundamental absence.

are basically nonexistent

Employs "basically" to convey a simple, straightforward absence.

are nearly absent

Replaces the entire phrase with a more concise expression of near absence.

are in effect nonexistent

Inserts "in effect" to emphasize the functional non-existence.

scarcely exist

Uses a different verb to describe the limited presence of something.

are conspicuous by their absence

Emphasizes the absence through its noticeable effect.

are few and far between

Indicates that something exists but is very rare and dispersed.

FAQs

How can I use "are practically nonexistent" in a sentence?

You can use "are practically nonexistent" to describe something that is almost entirely absent. For example, "Rivers "are practically nonexistent" in the Yucatán peninsula."

What's a good alternative to "are practically nonexistent"?

Alternatives include phrases like "are virtually non-existent", "are almost nonexistent", or "are nearly absent", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it more correct to say "are practically nonexistent" or "are virtually nonexistent"?

Both "are practically nonexistent" and "are virtually nonexistent" are grammatically correct and convey essentially the same meaning. The choice depends on personal preference.

What is the difference between "are practically nonexistent" and "are rare"?

"Are practically nonexistent" suggests something is almost entirely absent, while "are rare" indicates that something exists but is uncommon. The first phrase implies a much higher degree of absence.