is almost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is almost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is very close to being a certain way or to a certain degree, but not quite there yet. Example: "The project is almost complete, and we just need to finalize a few details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is almost magical".

The Economist

"Cassius is almost two.

Independent

It is almost impossible.

The New York Times - Arts

He is almost forty.

The New Yorker

That is almost right.

The Economist

"It is almost sundown.

The New Yorker

It is almost spiritual".

The New York Times - Travel

That is almost certain.

Independent

It, too, is almost.

The New York Times

"It is almost Victorian".

Independent

Excellent is almost perfection".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is almost" to express an idea or state that is very near, but not yet fully realized. For example, "The project is almost complete", use it when the final step is about to be reached.

Common error

Avoid the common mistake of writing "all most" when you mean "almost". "All most" is rarely correct and generally indicates a misunderstanding of the phrase's meaning. Remember that "almost" is an adverb, not a combination of "all" and "most".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is almost" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the degree to which a state or action is approaching completion or fulfillment. Ludwig confirms this usage, showcasing examples where it modifies verbs and adjectives to express near approximation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Encyclopedias

2%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is almost" functions as an adverbial modifier, signaling that something is close to a particular state or outcome, but not quite there yet. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and versatile, appearing frequently in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. Its usage is generally neutral, making it appropriate for various situations. When using this phrase, it's important to avoid confusing it with "all most", a common error. Alternatives like "is nearly" or "is close to" can be considered for similar meanings, but "is almost" provides a succinct and effective way to express proximity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is nearing

Indicates a gradual approach to a specific point or state, with a sense of progression.

is virtually

Emphasizes that something is so close to being true that it can be considered as such for all practical purposes.

is practically

Similar to "is virtually", but may suggest a slightly lesser degree of certainty.

is close to

A more general way of indicating proximity, without necessarily implying the achievement of a final state.

is on the verge of

Highlights that a transition or change is imminent.

is verging on

Similar to "is on the verge of", but might imply a negative or undesirable outcome.

is bordering on

Suggests that something is just short of a particular characteristic, often negative.

is approaching

Focuses on the act of drawing nearer to a specific point in time or condition.

is approximately

Highlights the imprecision or lack of exactness. It is used for quantities or measurements.

is just about

Indicates that something is very close to happening or being completed.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is almost" indicates that something is close to being a particular way, but not quite. For example, "The meeting "is almost over"" or "The renovation "is almost complete"".

What phrases are similar to "is almost"?

Similar phrases include "is nearly", "is virtually", and "is close to". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is almost always"?

Yes, "is almost always" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase. It indicates that something is true in nearly every instance, but with the possibility of rare exceptions. For example, "That "is almost always the case"".

What is the difference between "is almost" and "is exactly"?

"Is almost" indicates approximation, while "is exactly" denotes precision. Saying something "is almost" implies it's close but not there yet, while "is exactly" means it matches a specific requirement perfectly.