but almost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but almost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is very close to being true or happening, but not quite there. Example: "I was ready to leave the house, but almost forgot my keys."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is but 90 days.

Forbes

All but 2? All but 1? All?

The New York Times

But 12 DOZEN are.

The New York Times

But 27 places?

The New York Times

"But 24 years ago?

The New York Times

But 48 hours after?

The New York Times

But 6'5" will do.

The New York Times

But 14 years?

Independent

But 53 people?

The New York Times

But 28 is not enough.

The New York Times

But 900 pages on paper?

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but almost" to indicate a slight deviation or an action that nearly occurred. This phrase can add nuance when describing situations that fall just short of expectation.

Common error

Avoid using "but almost" excessively in formal contexts; consider stronger, more direct alternatives to maintain a professional tone. Sometimes a more assertive statement removes ambiguity and strengthens your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but almost" functions as a conjunction phrase introducing a contrast or qualification. It indicates that something came close to happening or being true, but ultimately did not.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but almost" serves as a conjunction phrase used to express a near miss or a slight deviation from an expected outcome. As the phrase has limited examples, determining specific contexts is challenging. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct, offering writers a versatile option for nuanced expression. When writing with "but almost", be mindful of your tone and audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly but

Reverses the order of the conjunction and adverb while retaining the meaning of near completion.

practically but

Substitutes "almost" with "practically", emphasizing a very high degree of approximation.

virtually but

Replaces "almost" with "virtually", suggesting that the condition is true in effect if not in fact.

just about but

Uses the phrase "just about" to mean nearly or almost, offering a slightly more informal tone.

all but

Emphasizes the closeness to a particular state, implying that only a small difference remains.

not quite but

Highlights the failure to reach a particular condition by a small margin.

close to but

Emphasizes proximity, focusing more on the idea of being near rather than necessarily missing the mark.

approaching but

Suggests a movement toward a specific state, without necessarily achieving it.

on the verge of but

Implies that something was at the brink or threshold of occurring, adding a sense of anticipation.

bordering on but

Suggests a state that is so close it is touching, emphasizing nearness and proximity.

FAQs

How can I use "but almost" in a sentence?

You can use "but almost" to express that something nearly happened or is nearly true. For example, "I was going to say yes, but almost changed my mind at the last moment."

What phrases are similar to "but almost"?

Similar phrases include "nearly but", "just about but", or "all but". The best alternative depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"But almost" and "but nearly" are quite similar, but "but nearly" might sound slightly more formal. The choice depends on the context and your desired tone.

Can "but almost" be used to express regret?

Yes, "but almost" can imply a sense of regret, especially when discussing missed opportunities or actions not fully completed. For instance, "I could have won, but almost succeeded."