is virtually nonexistent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is virtually nonexistent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is almost completely absent or lacking in existence. Example: "In this remote area, reliable internet access is virtually nonexistent, making it difficult for residents to work from home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Screening is virtually nonexistent.

The New Yorker

Crime is virtually nonexistent.

The New York Times

Its army is virtually nonexistent.

The New York Times

Transparency is virtually nonexistent.

The Guardian

Studies show voter fraud is virtually nonexistent.

The New York Times

Child support is virtually nonexistent in Poland.

The Guardian

Today the problem is virtually nonexistent.

The New York Times

Such stand-alone drug coverage is virtually nonexistent.

The New York Times

That same force in Russia is virtually nonexistent.

The New York Times

Heroin use, which drives epidemics in many countries, is virtually nonexistent in Cuba, officials insist.

The New York Times - Health

In many other Asian economies financing for consumer durables is virtually nonexistent.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is virtually nonexistent" to create emphasis and highlight the extreme lack of something. This can be particularly effective in persuasive writing or when describing severe deficiencies.

Common error

Avoid using "is virtually nonexistent" when the subject is merely rare or limited. This phrase implies a near-complete absence, so using it in less extreme contexts can undermine your credibility and dilute the impact of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is virtually nonexistent" functions as a predicative adjective phrase. It modifies a noun by asserting that its existence is nearly zero. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and effective use across a broad spectrum of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is virtually nonexistent" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe something that is almost completely absent. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely employed across various domains, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. When using this phrase, ensure that the context genuinely reflects near-total absence and avoid using it for situations of mere scarcity. Alternatives like "is nearly nonexistent" or "is almost nonexistent" can be used for similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is nearly nonexistent

Substitutes "nearly" for "virtually", maintaining the same meaning of near absence.

is almost nonexistent

Replaces "virtually" with "almost", denoting a state close to nonexistence.

is practically nonexistent

Uses "practically" in place of "virtually", suggesting a condition that, for all practical purposes, does not exist.

is essentially nonexistent

Employs "essentially" as a synonym for "virtually", emphasizing fundamental nonexistence.

is effectively nonexistent

Indicates that something is "effectively" not present, akin to being virtually nonexistent.

is as good as nonexistent

Expresses that something's presence is so minimal that it's equivalent to being nonexistent.

might as well be nonexistent

Suggests that something is so lacking that it could reasonably be considered nonexistent.

is borderline nonexistent

Highlights that something is barely present, nearing nonexistence.

is verging on nonexistent

Conveys that something is approaching a state of nonexistence.

is close to nonexistent

Indicates a state near nonexistence, emphasizing proximity to being completely absent.

FAQs

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

This phrase indicates that something is almost completely absent. For example, "In this remote area, reliable internet access "is virtually nonexistent"."

What are some alternatives to "is virtually nonexistent"?

You can use phrases like "is nearly nonexistent", "is almost nonexistent", or "is practically nonexistent" depending on the context.

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

Yes, "is virtually nonexistent" is suitable for formal writing as it is clear and precise. However, consider the impact and whether a less emphatic phrase might be more appropriate depending on your audience and the overall tone of your piece.

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

"Is virtually nonexistent" implies that something is almost completely absent, while "is rare" simply means something is uncommon. The former conveys a stronger sense of absence than the latter.