is virtually finished

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is virtually finished" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is almost complete or very close to being done. Example: "The project is virtually finished, and we just need to finalize a few details before the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

NBC, which typically sells first, is doing so again, the executives said, and is virtually finished.

The New York Times

Five colossal cranes still tower over it, glinting as the sun sets behind the hills, but work is virtually finished, contracts exchanged and keys handed over.

The Guardian - Sport

As the work on our home is virtually finished, this is my final blog on Green your home, and I want to thank everyone and hope that our neighbours can forgive us for the disruption.

The Guardian

"The stadium is virtually finished," he says, "but there are still cash machines to be installed, police control and stadium radio systems to put in.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The first two acts were virtually finished by Donizetti, even with their orchestration.

The New York Times - Arts

"The table was virtually finished in 1814 when Napoleon was exiled," said Gillian Arthur, a furniture specialist at Sotheby's.

The New York Times - Arts

So then I sort of vaguely mentioned what I might have, without saying it's virtually finished.

The Guardian - Books

With only three races left, or a maximum of 30 points available, his chances are virtually finished.

The New York Times - Sports

She never showed her writing to anyone before it was virtually finished, but when she wrote the first page of "Wolf Hall" she wanted to show it to someone right away.

The New Yorker

Despite his PhD being virtually finished, Danaher knew he had to pull the pin.

Vice

After the return to Salzburg in January 1769, Leopold considered the 18-year-old Nannerl's education to be virtually finished, and focused his efforts on Wolfgang.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience when using this phrase; while widely understood, more formal contexts might benefit from alternatives like "is nearing completion".

Common error

Avoid using "is virtually finished" if significant work remains. This can mislead stakeholders and create the impression that the project is further along than it actually is.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is virtually finished" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, describing the state of a subject as being near completion. According to Ludwig, it is correct and usable in written English. It indicates that something is almost complete or very close to being done.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is virtually finished" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that something is nearing completion. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a versatile phrase found primarily in news and media, and is suitable for neutral to professional contexts. While "is virtually finished" implies near completion, it's crucial to avoid overstating the actual progress. More formal alternatives, like "is nearing completion", may be preferred in specific settings. When accuracy and clarity are paramount, carefully assess the remaining work to ensure the phrase aligns with reality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is almost complete

Changes the adverb "virtually" to "almost" and the verb "finished" to "complete", maintaining the core meaning of near completion.

is practically finished

Substitutes "virtually" with "practically", indicating that something is finished in all important respects.

is nearing completion

Replaces "virtually finished" with "nearing completion", emphasizing the process of approaching completion rather than the state itself.

is all but done

A more concise way of saying "is virtually finished", highlighting the near certainty of completion.

is close to being done

Uses a more informal phrasing, replacing "virtually finished" with "close to being done", but retaining the meaning of near completion.

is nearly finalized

Focuses on the finalization aspect, suggesting that only the last steps remain.

is on the verge of completion

Emphasizes the imminence of completion, suggesting that the final stage is very close.

is as good as finished

Implies that although not technically finished, the outcome is certain.

is substantially complete

Emphasizes the extent of completion, suggesting that the main part is done even if minor details remain.

is in the home stretch

An idiomatic expression indicating that the final part of a process is being completed.

FAQs

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

You can use "is virtually finished" to describe a project, task, or activity that is very close to completion. For example, "The construction of the new bridge is virtually finished, and it will open to the public next month."

What are some alternatives to "is virtually finished"?

Some alternatives include "is almost complete", "is nearing completion", or "is close to being done". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is there a difference between "is virtually finished" and "is completely finished"?

Yes, "is virtually finished" implies that only minor details or tasks remain, whereas "is completely finished" means that the project is 100% done with no remaining work.

Can "is virtually finished" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "is virtually finished" is acceptable in formal writing, particularly in news reporting and business communications. However, for highly formal contexts, consider alternatives like "is substantially complete".