is virtually complete

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is virtually complete" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is almost finished or nearly done, but not entirely complete. Example: "The project is virtually complete, with only a few minor adjustments left to make."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The current release is virtually complete through 200 C.E.

Yale University

Nuclear advocates point out that the design is virtually complete.

The New York Times

But until Tunnel No. 3 is virtually complete there will be no way to fix them.

The New Yorker

There is virtually complete religious tolerance in England and no longer any overt prejudice against Catholics.

Britannica

In one limited sense, the deployment of the Sears model and measures is virtually complete.

Harvard Business Review

On the plus side, the merger of Canada's two air titans, Air Canada and Canadian Airlines, is virtually complete.

The New York Times - Travel

6.34pm BST In London, the Crossrail train system "is virtually complete... Well, no, it's not virtually complete; that's an exaggeration".

The Guardian

Confederation Boulevard, embracing Sussex Drive and the roads past a cleaned-up Parliament and back through Hull, is virtually complete.

The Economist

After the cast iron cools in the mold, the sand is cleaned off, and the work is virtually complete.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After a half-century of curiosity and bitter controversy, publication of the texts from the Dead Sea Scrolls is virtually complete.

The New York Times

One column envisaged by Mr. Faltlhauser is the hotel, a two-winged structure of 138 rooms that is virtually complete already.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is virtually complete" to indicate that something is so close to being finished that any remaining work is minor. It's more emphatic than saying it's "almost complete".

Common error

Avoid using "is virtually complete" if substantial work remains. This phrase implies near-total completion, so ensure the context accurately reflects that.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is virtually complete" functions as a predicate adjective phrase. It describes the state of a noun, indicating its near-finished status. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is virtually complete" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate that something is nearly finished. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's most commonly found in scientific and news-related contexts, signifying that only minor details are left to finalize a process or project. Alternatives such as ""is nearing completion"" and ""is practically complete"" offer similar meanings, but it's crucial to ensure that the context accurately reflects the near-total completion implied by the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is practically complete

Similar to "virtually complete" but with a slightly different nuance.

is nearing completion

Focuses on the process of approaching completion rather than the state itself.

is on the verge of completion

Emphasizes the imminence of completion, suggesting it will happen very soon.

is close to being finished

A more informal way to express that something is nearly complete.

is almost entirely done

Highlights the extent of completion, emphasizing that only a small portion remains.

is substantially finished

Indicates a significant degree of completion, though perhaps not quite as near as "virtually complete".

is in its final stages

Focuses on the process, emphasizing that the end is near.

is nearing its final form

Implies something is still evolving, but is very close to its final state.

is to all intents and purposes complete

A more formal and emphatic way of saying something is effectively complete.

is as good as complete

Indicates that for all practical purposes, the item is complete.

FAQs

What does "is virtually complete" mean?

The phrase "is virtually complete" means that something is nearly finished or almost entirely done. It suggests that only minor details or adjustments remain.

What can I say instead of "is virtually complete"?

You can use alternatives like "is nearing completion", "is on the verge of completion", or "is practically complete" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "is virtually complete" in formal writing?

Yes, "is virtually complete" is appropriate for formal writing. It is often found in academic papers, news articles, and business reports.

When should I avoid using "is virtually complete"?

Avoid using "is virtually complete" if the subject in question requires significant additional work to be fully finished. It's best used when only minor tasks remain.