are virtually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are virtually" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is almost or nearly the case, often in a context where a comparison or approximation is being made. Example: "The two products are virtually identical in terms of features and performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Examples are virtually limitless.

The New York Times

The wards are virtually empty.

The Economist

The figures are virtually identical.

The New York Times

There are virtually no nonwhites.

The New York Times

Both are virtually unknown.

The New York Times - Sports

Cicadas are virtually defenseless.

The New Yorker

"They are virtually flavorless".

The New York Times

Others are virtually bare.

The New York Times

They are virtually seasonproof.

The New York Times

Your options are virtually unlimited.

Harvard University

In fact, they are virtually gone.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing in formal contexts, ensure that the level of approximation conveyed by "are virtually" is appropriate. In situations requiring exactness, consider alternative phrasing that offers greater precision.

Common error

Avoid using "are virtually" when the situation requires absolute certainty or when the difference between the approximated state and the actual state is significant. Overstating a claim can undermine credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are virtually" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating a state or condition that is nearly true or almost realized. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in modifying adjectives, verbs, and entire clauses to convey approximation. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are virtually" serves to express a state of near equivalence or approximation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and finds frequent application across diverse contexts. While largely employed in news, academic, and scientific domains, its neutral register ensures its appropriateness in both formal and informal settings. To maximize the impact and precision of your writing, avoid overstating claims and use "are virtually" judiciously, particularly in contexts necessitating exactness. Consider alternatives like "are almost" or "are nearly" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are almost

Expresses a very close approximation, nearly reaching a certain state or condition.

are nearly

Similar to "are almost", indicating a state that is close to being achieved.

are practically

Highlights the functional equivalence, even if not exact.

are essentially

Focuses on the fundamental nature or core characteristics being the same.

are effectively

Emphasizes the result or impact is the same, despite potential differences.

are tantamount to

Indicates an equivalent effect or consequence, often in more formal contexts.

are more or less

Suggests a general correspondence without strict precision.

are close to

Indicates proximity to a certain state or condition, but with less emphasis on equivalence.

approximate to

Highlights the act of estimation or resembling something.

border on

Suggests approaching a certain state, often implying an extreme or undesirable quality.

FAQs

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

Use "are virtually" to indicate that something is almost, but not entirely, the case. For example, "The two products "are virtually identical"."

What are some alternatives to "are virtually"?

Alternatives include "are almost", "are nearly", or "are practically". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "are virtually" in formal writing?

It's appropriate when indicating a close approximation is sufficient. However, if exactness is crucial, consider more precise language. For example, in a scientific paper, stating "the results "are virtually unchanged"" might need to be replaced with specific data if precision is required.

What's the difference between "are virtually" and "are actually"?

"Are virtually" implies something is nearly true, while "are actually" asserts something is definitively true. Using the wrong phrase can significantly alter the meaning of your sentence. Example: "The figures "are virtually identical"" versus "The figures are actually identical."