for virtually all

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for virtually all" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something applies to almost every instance or case, with very few exceptions. Example: "The new policy will be effective for virtually all employees, ensuring that everyone benefits from the changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

limit for virtually all state highways.

The New York Times

This factor accounts for virtually all of the difference.

Safety Science

That decline accounts for virtually all of the shift nationwide.

The New York Times

Arabica and Robusta coffee account for virtually all consumption.

The New York Times - Science

New York makes room for virtually all tastes.

The New York Times

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for virtually all cases of cervical cancer.

Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry

None of the models is able to account for (virtually) all findings.

Clinical Psychology Review

The answer could point to new therapies for virtually all types of cancer.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Once known as "white gold", salt was, and still is, essential for virtually all biological processes.

Independent

Prescribed positions exist for virtually all situations that umpires encounter, but they are hardly flawless.

The New York Times - Sports

Rabi's method provided the central technique for virtually all molecular and atomic beam experimentation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for virtually all" when you want to convey that something applies to almost every case, acknowledging that very few exceptions may exist. It's stronger than "for most" but less absolute than "for all".

Common error

Avoid using "for virtually all" when the exceptions are significant or frequent. If there are notable exceptions, consider using phrases like "for the majority of" or "for most".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for virtually all" functions as a prepositional modifier, indicating the extent to which something applies. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is both correct and usable in written English. The phrase typically modifies a noun or noun phrase, specifying that the statement is true for nearly every member of the group.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

34%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for virtually all" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express that something applies to almost every instance, acknowledging only a few exceptions. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a correct and usable phrase in English, frequently appearing in news, scientific, and encyclopedia sources. While similar to phrases like "for almost all" and "with few exceptions", it offers a specific nuance of near-universality. When writing, ensure the context aligns with this meaning, avoiding overstatements when exceptions are significant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in almost every instance

Emphasizes frequency and broad applicability but uses different phrasing.

in nearly every case

Focuses on individual cases rather than a collective.

for all intents and purposes

Highlights practical equivalence, not necessarily literal.

practically speaking

Focuses on the practical outcome or consideration.

with few exceptions

Explicitly acknowledges the existence of some exceptions.

for the most part

Indicates that something is generally true, but not always.

almost without exception

Strengthens the idea of near-universality.

in the vast majority of

Emphasizes the large proportion.

by and large

An idiomatic expression for general truth.

effectively all

Highlights the practical effect of including almost everything.

FAQs

How can I use "for virtually all" in a sentence?

You can use "for virtually all" to indicate that something applies to almost every instance or case, with very few exceptions. For example, "The new policy will be effective "for virtually all" employees, ensuring that everyone benefits from the changes."

What phrases can I use instead of "for virtually all"?

You can use alternatives like "in almost every instance", "in nearly every case", or "with few exceptions" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "for virtually all" or "for almost all"?

Both ""for virtually all"" and "for almost all" are acceptable and convey a similar meaning. The choice often depends on personal preference and the specific tone you wish to achieve.

What is the difference between "for virtually all" and "for the majority of"?

"For virtually all" suggests a higher degree of inclusivity than "for the majority of". "For virtually all" implies very few exceptions, while "for the majority of" simply means more than half.