is practically nonexistent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is practically nonexistent" 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 region, public transportation is practically nonexistent, making it difficult for residents to commute."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Legroom is practically nonexistent.

The New York Times - Travel

And privacy is practically nonexistent.

The New York Times

And experts say enforcement is practically nonexistent.

The New York Times

Humidity is low, and fog is practically nonexistent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And badly made vinegary wine is practically nonexistent.

The New York Times - Food

Owing to the Games, the unemployment in the region is practically nonexistent.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Rivers are practically nonexistent.

The New York Times - Travel

Hired help was practically nonexistent.

The New York Times

Security guards are practically nonexistent.

The New York Times

His immune system was practically nonexistent.

The New York Times - Health

In the caves, plumbing, electricity, and telephones were practically nonexistent.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is practically nonexistent", ensure the context clearly indicates a situation where something is almost entirely absent, not merely rare or uncommon. Avoid overstating the absence if there are any traces of the thing in question.

Common error

Avoid using "is practically nonexistent" when the subject is merely scarce or uncommon. Reserve it for situations where the thing in question is almost entirely absent to maintain accuracy and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is practically nonexistent" functions as a descriptive predicate adjective phrase. It modifies a subject by stating that something has a presence close to zero, indicating a very high degree of absence. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is practically nonexistent" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the near-complete absence of something. According to Ludwig, it's correct and usable in written English. It appears most commonly in news, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure the subject truly approaches complete absence to maintain accuracy. Alternatives such as "is virtually absent" or "is almost nonexistent" can be used for similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is virtually absent

Emphasizes absence with the word "virtually", suggesting nearness to complete absence.

is almost nonexistent

Replaces "practically" with "almost", a more common synonym indicating a near-zero existence.

is essentially absent

Substitutes "practically" with "essentially", stressing the fundamental absence of something.

is nearly absent

Uses "nearly" to indicate the condition is very close to being completely absent.

is effectively absent

Replaces "practically" with "effectively", implying the result is absence, regardless of the cause.

is as good as nonexistent

Uses the idiom "as good as" to mean nearly or practically, indicating almost complete absence.

scarcely exists

Indicates rarity and a very low level of existence or occurrence.

is few and far between

An idiomatic expression meaning rare and infrequent.

is conspicuous by its absence

Emphasizes that something is noticeably missing.

barely exists

Focuses on the idea that something has a minimal presence.

FAQs

How can I use "is practically nonexistent" in a sentence?

Use "is practically nonexistent" to describe something that is almost entirely absent. For example, "In this remote area, public transportation "is practically nonexistent"."

What are some alternatives to "is practically nonexistent"?

You can use alternatives like "is virtually absent", "is almost nonexistent", or "is essentially absent" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "is practically nonexistent" in formal writing?

Yes, "is practically nonexistent" can be used in formal writing, as it is grammatically correct and widely understood. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure it conveys the intended meaning effectively.

What's the difference between "is practically nonexistent" and "is rare"?

"Is practically nonexistent" implies something is almost entirely absent, whereas "is rare" suggests it exists but is uncommon. For example, "In this region, snowfall "is practically nonexistent"" means it almost never snows, while "snowfall is rare" indicates it snows infrequently.