is nearly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is nearly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is close to a certain state or condition, but not quite there. Example: "The project is nearly complete, and we expect to finish by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It is nearly eight.

The New Yorker

She is nearly there.

The Economist

It is nearly pop.

The New Yorker

Kadima is nearly finished.

The New York Times

Father Hoban is nearly 65.

The Economist

That window is nearly shut.

The New York Times - Sports

It is nearly an understatement.

The New Yorker

GPS is nearly useless there.

The New York Times - Travel

The case is nearly blown.

The New York Times - Books

The animation is nearly photorealistic.

The New York Times - Arts

Bosnia's tragedy is nearly complete.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is nearly" to convey a sense of approximation or closeness to a certain state, especially when the exact state is not yet reached. For example, "The project is nearly complete, but it still requires some testing."

Common error

While "is nearly" is widely accepted, avoid overusing it in highly formal or scientific writing. Consider more precise alternatives like "approaches" or "approximates" for greater accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is nearly" functions as an adverbial modifier indicating the degree or extent to which a subject approaches a particular state or condition. It modifies verbs or adjectives, conveying that something is close to being fully realized, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

89%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is nearly" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is approaching a certain state or condition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, consider more precise alternatives for highly formal settings. Remember to use "is nearly" to provide an approximate assessment, setting expectations appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is almost

Uses "almost" instead of "nearly" to indicate that something is close to being a certain way.

is practically

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

is virtually

Suggests that something is effectively or in essence the same as something else.

is close to

Indicates proximity to a specific state or condition, focusing on closeness.

is approaching

Implies movement toward a certain state, suggesting it will soon be reached.

is bordering on

Suggests that something is on the verge of becoming a particular thing.

is verging on

Similar to 'bordering on', but can also imply that something undesirable is imminent.

is roughly

Indicates an approximate value or state, focusing on estimation.

is in the vicinity of

Highlights that something is in the general area or range of something else.

is not far from

Emphasizes that something is close, either literally or figuratively, to a certain state.

FAQs

What does "is nearly" mean?

The phrase "is nearly" means that something is close to being a certain way or reaching a particular state, but it is not quite there yet. It conveys a sense of approximation.

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

You can use "is nearly" to describe situations where something is approaching a certain condition. For example, "The project "is nearly finished"" or "The task "is nearly complete"".

What are some alternatives to "is nearly"?

Some alternatives to "is nearly" include "is almost", "is practically", "is virtually", and "is close to".

Is it better to say "is nearly" or "is almost"?

Both "is nearly" and "is almost" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably in many contexts. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you want to convey. However, "is almost" might be slightly more common in everyday conversation.