is virtually assured

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is virtually assured" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a high level of certainty about an outcome or event occurring. Example: "With the team's strong performance this season, a playoff spot is virtually assured."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All the same, a suspension is virtually assured.

The New York Times - Sports

Survival is virtually assured, it's not what we're working for.

The Guardian

Though deputies may attach nonbinding amendments to the bill, approval is virtually assured.

The New York Times

It is virtually assured that the two Republican commissioners will vote against the rule.

The New York Times

In the largely Democratic district, though, Mr. O'Rourke is virtually assured victory.

The New York Times

Thus, Mr. Duffy is virtually assured of being the party's nominee for lieutenant governor.

The New York Times

Rangel, meanwhile, is virtually assured of a 22nd term in Congress.

The Washington Post

In November, he is virtually assured of becoming the first Dominican elected to the Council.

The New York Times

He also noted that Russian courts almost never fail to convict, so a guilty verdict is virtually assured.

The New Yorker

Whatever the outcome, the eventual second-place team is virtually assured a wild-card entry into the playoffs.

The New York Times - Sports

The re-election of Javier Perez de Cuellar as Secretary General is virtually assured, diplomats said today.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is virtually assured" when you want to convey a strong sense of certainty without claiming absolute guarantee. This phrasing acknowledges a minimal possibility of an alternate outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "is virtually assured" when the outcome is still significantly uncertain. This phrase implies a very high degree of probability, so ensure your confidence level aligns with the actual situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is virtually assured" functions as a modal expression of high probability. It indicates that, based on current information and circumstances, a particular outcome is highly likely to occur. Ludwig AI examples show it being used in various contexts to convey near certainty.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Social Media

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is virtually assured" is a versatile expression used to convey a high degree of certainty about a future event, according to Ludwig AI. While stopping short of a full guarantee, it indicates that all signs point towards a specific outcome. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it also surfaces in formal business settings, making it suitable for various registers. When using this phrase, ensure your confidence level aligns with the available evidence to avoid overstatement. Alternatives include phrases like "is almost certain" and "is highly probable". The grammatical status of the phrase is considered correct, and it is very common in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is almost certain

Slightly less emphatic; suggests a very high probability but leaves a small possibility of doubt.

is effectively certain

Similar to "virtually assured" but with a slightly different emphasis on the practical certainty.

is practically guaranteed

Uses "guaranteed" for stronger emphasis but maintains a similar level of likelihood.

is all but certain

Emphasizes the near certainty of the event, but in a more colloquial way.

is highly probable

More formal and statistical, focusing on the high probability of occurrence.

is close to a certainty

Uses a more descriptive and less direct way to convey the high likelihood.

is very likely

A straightforward alternative, indicating a strong expectation of occurrence.

is a foregone conclusion

Implies that the outcome is predetermined and inevitable.

is as good as done

Suggests that the action or event is nearing completion and certain to finalize.

is on track to happen

Focuses on progress and momentum towards the outcome, implying strong certainty.

FAQs

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

You can use "is virtually assured" to express a high degree of confidence in a future event, such as, "Given the current polls, his victory "is virtually assured"".

What are some alternatives to "is virtually assured"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is almost certain", "is practically guaranteed", or "is highly probable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "is virtually assured"?

It's appropriate when there's a strong basis for predicting an outcome with a very high level of confidence, but not absolute certainty. Factors like consistent trends, overwhelming support, or lack of viable opposition can warrant its use.

What's the difference between "is virtually assured" and "is guaranteed"?

"Is virtually assured" implies a very high probability but allows for a slight chance of failure, while "is guaranteed" suggests absolute certainty. Use "is virtually assured" when you want to convey confidence without claiming an impossibility of an alternate outcome.