it almost is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it almost is' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase to indicate that something is close to being true or complete, but not yet fully the case. For example, "This project has been difficult, but it almost is finished."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

It almost is like they become zero".

The Guardian - Music

'It's not meditation, but it almost is.

The Guardian

Which at one point, it almost is.

The Guardian - Film

And yet, it almost is unbelievable.

The New York Times

If that sounds too disgusting to watch, it almost is.

The New York Times

It's not your private dinner party, but it almost is.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

It almost was worse.

The New York Times

It almost wasn't.

Forbes

It could almost be 2011.

Independent

"It's almost been ghettoised.

The Guardian - Film

It could almost be a Beckett play.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it almost is", ensure the context clearly indicates what 'it' refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "it almost is" when something is clearly not close to being true. This phrase implies a high degree of proximity, so ensure your assessment is accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it almost is" functions as a qualifier, suggesting that a certain state or condition is close to being true without fully being the case. It often introduces nuance by expressing approximation, as supported by Ludwig and several examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it almost is" is a versatile qualifier used to express near states or approximations. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and appears frequently in diverse contexts such as News & Media and scientific writing, though it maintains a generally neutral register. When deploying this phrase, ensure clarity by clearly defining what "it" references, and avoid exaggeration by using it only when a condition is genuinely close to being true. Consider alternatives like "it is practically" or "it is nearly" to subtly adjust the nuance. By following these guidelines, you can effectively integrate "it almost is" into your writing to add depth and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is practically

Indicates something is very close to being the case, emphasizing practicality.

it is virtually

Suggests something is so close to being true that it has the same effect.

it is nearly

Emphasizes the proximity to a certain state or condition.

it is effectively

Highlights that something has the same result as if it were the case.

it borders on

Implies that something is close to crossing a boundary into a different state.

it verges on

Indicates something is on the brink of becoming something else.

it is close to being

Directly states that something is nearing a specific state.

it is not far from

Suggests that something is approaching a certain condition without reaching it yet.

it approaches being

Indicates a movement towards a particular state or condition.

it approximates

Highlights that something comes close to a certain value or state.

FAQs

How can I use "it almost is" in a sentence?

You can use "it almost is" to express that something is close to being a certain way or reaching a particular state. For example, "The project is difficult, but "it almost is" finished".

What are some alternatives to saying "it almost is"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it is practically", "it is virtually", or "it is nearly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it almost is" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it almost is" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English sentence structure and is widely used in both formal and informal contexts.

When should I avoid using the phrase "it almost is"?

Avoid using "it almost is" when the subject is far from the state being described. The phrase implies a close approximation, so ensure accuracy in your assessment. For example, do not say "it almost is finished" if the project just started, this would be misleading and inaccurate.