is virtually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is virtually" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is almost or nearly the case, but not completely so. Example: "The project is virtually complete, with only a few minor adjustments needed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is virtually gospel.

The New York Times

Screening is virtually nonexistent.

The New Yorker

Literacy is virtually nil.

The Economist

Crime is virtually nonexistent.

The New York Times

This is virtually impossible.

The Economist

Substance is virtually irrelevant.

The New York Times - Arts

Football is virtually unrecognisable.

The Economist

Its army is virtually nonexistent.

The New York Times

Naples itself is virtually clear.

The Economist

Our apartment is virtually empty.

The New York Times - Magazine

"There is virtually no crime.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is virtually" to convey that something is very close to being a particular way, but not entirely so. It's ideal when you want to avoid absolute statements.

Common error

Avoid using "is virtually" when something truly is something. Using it in such cases weakens your statement. If it is complete, say "is complete" instead of "is virtually complete".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is virtually" functions as an intensifier modifying an adjective or state. It softens a claim by suggesting something is very close to being true, but not completely. Ludwig's examples show its usage in contexts like "is virtually impossible" or "is virtually nonexistent."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is virtually" is a versatile expression used to indicate a state that is nearly or almost true, without being entirely so. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is grammatically correct and common, particularly in news and media. Use "is virtually" to soften claims, convey approximations, and avoid absolute statements. Remember to avoid using it when something is a definitive state. Consider alternatives like "is almost" or "is nearly" for slight differences in nuance. By understanding these subtleties, you can enhance the precision and effectiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is almost

Replaces "virtually" with "almost", indicating a near state without being fully so.

is nearly

Substitutes "virtually" with "nearly", suggesting a close approximation.

is practically

Uses "practically" instead of "virtually" to emphasize the effect is as good as real.

is essentially

Replaces "virtually" with "essentially", focusing on the core nature of the matter.

is effectively

Employs "effectively" to highlight the functional equivalence.

is tantamount to

Replaces "is virtually" with the more formal "is tantamount to", indicating equivalence in effect.

amounts to

Uses "amounts to" to suggest a total effect that closely resembles the original.

borders on

Indicates something is close to being something else, but not quite.

is in effect

Changes the structure, focusing on the current operational state.

functions as

Shifts the focus to the functional role, suggesting the same result is achieved.

FAQs

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

Use "is virtually" to indicate that something is nearly or almost a certain state or condition. For example, "The project "is virtually complete", needing only minor adjustments".

What are some alternatives to "is virtually"?

You can use phrases like "is almost", "is nearly", or "is practically" as alternatives to "is virtually", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "is virtually nonexistent" or "is nonexistent"?

Saying "is nonexistent" implies something does not exist at all. Using "is virtually nonexistent" suggests it exists to such a small degree it's negligible. The choice depends on the accuracy you want to convey.

What's the difference between "is virtually the same" and "is the same"?

"Is the same" means identical, while "is virtually the same" means very close to identical, with minor differences that are often insignificant. It softens the claim of absolute sameness.