are virtually non-existent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are virtually non-existent" 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 virtually non-existent, making it difficult for residents to travel."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Also, property taxes are "virtually non-existent," Mr. Carl said.

The New York Times

Services are virtually non-existent; reliable electricity supplies are rare.

The Economist

That is because men, in the foundation stage and at key stage 1, are virtually non-existent.

The Guardian

In another uncanny premonition of modern politics, any policy differences between Labour and the Conservatives are virtually non-existent.

The Guardian - Film

Nordhaus has similarly noted, "In reality, estimates of damage functions are virtually non-existent for temperature increases above 3°C".

The Guardian

In Italy, children's menus are virtually non-existent and chefs will cheerfully prepare tasty dishes that individual bambini diners like.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The space for drug treatment is not being utilized due to lack of staff and the mental health facilities are virtually non-existent.

The Guardian - Opinion

The hours are long and antisocial and the pay derisory, while the regard and support of superiors are virtually non-existent.

The Guardian - Books

"The safeguards provided to sustainable development are virtually non-existent compared to those provided to investors and the difference is rather stark," said Tim Grabiel, a Paris-based environmental attorney.

The Guardian - Business

Any imaginative connections that might have linked Disney's original plans for an environmentally friendly community – a "model town" – with the corporate entity that eventually emerged from the Florida swamps are virtually non-existent.

The Guardian - Opinion

Much like his debut solo album, 2010's The Boxer, guitars are virtually non-existent in the mix, with laptops at the forefront, melding dubstep, two-step and house.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are virtually non-existent", ensure the context clearly indicates a near-total absence, not just a scarcity. For example, "Opportunities for promotion are virtually non-existent in this role" suggests there's almost no chance of advancement.

Common error

Avoid using "are virtually non-existent" when something is merely rare or infrequent, not almost completely absent. Saying "Customer complaints are virtually non-existent" might be an overstatement if there are a few complaints, even if they are minimal. Use a weaker phrase like "are rare" or "are infrequent" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are virtually non-existent" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, indicating that something is almost completely absent or lacking. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status. It is used to emphasize the scarcity or near absence of something in a given context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

41%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are virtually non-existent" is a grammatically sound and common expression used to describe the near-total absence of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific domains. When using this phrase, ensure that the context accurately reflects a near-complete absence rather than mere scarcity. Alternatives such as "are almost absent" or "scarcely exist" may be more appropriate depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are almost absent

Emphasizes the near absence rather than complete non-existence.

are nearly absent

Similar to "almost absent", but with a slightly stronger implication of absence.

are practically absent

Highlights the functional absence, even if technically present.

are as good as non-existent

Expresses that something is so close to non-existent that it makes no difference.

scarcely exist

Highlights that they exist, but in very small quantities.

are few and far between

Suggests that something exists but is very infrequent or rare.

are in short supply

Focuses on the limited availability or abundance of something.

are thin on the ground

Indicates that something is scarce or not easily found.

are conspicuous by their absence

Highlights that something is missing in a noticeable way.

are like hen's teeth

An idiomatic expression meaning something is extremely rare or non-existent.

FAQs

How can I use "are virtually non-existent" in a sentence?

Use "are virtually non-existent" to describe something that is almost completely absent or lacking. For example, "In this remote area, public transportation options are virtually non-existent, making it difficult for residents to travel."

What are some alternatives to "are virtually non-existent"?

You can use alternatives like "are almost absent", "are nearly absent", or "scarcely exist depending on the context.

Is it better to say "are almost non-existent" or "are virtually non-existent"?

Both "are almost non-existent" and "are virtually non-existent" are acceptable. The choice often depends on the specific nuance you want to convey, although they are largely interchangeable. Consider the context of your sentence when making your decision.

What's the difference between "are virtually non-existent" and "are rare"?

"Are virtually non-existent" indicates a near or complete absence, while "are rare" suggests something exists but is uncommon. The former is a stronger statement about the lack of something.