it is almost

USAGE SUMMARY

"it is almost" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something is almost complete, like a project or a task. For example, "It is almost time for the party to start."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"IT is almost Friday night.

The New York Times

It is almost Shakespearean in its simplicity.

BBC

It is almost magical".

The Economist

It is almost impossible.

The New York Times - Arts

"It is almost sundown.

The New Yorker

It is almost spiritual".

The New York Times - Travel

"It is almost Victorian".

Independent

It is almost delusional.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It is almost boatlike.

The New York Times

It is almost August.

The New York Times

"It is almost too simple.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is almost" to indicate an imminent event or state, creating anticipation. For example, "It is almost time for the presentation", suggesting the event will begin shortly.

Common error

Avoid using "it is almost" when a simple approximation would suffice. For example, instead of saying "It is almost 5 kilograms", consider saying "It's about 5 kilograms" for better clarity and conciseness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is almost" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating that something is close to a particular state, time, or condition. Ludwig shows numerous examples of its use in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

15%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is almost" serves as a versatile phrase to express nearness or anticipation. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used. As we explored, its applications range from indicating time and completion to similarity. While highly common across various sources, particularly in News & Media, remember to avoid overuse in scenarios where simple approximations are more effective. By grasping its grammatical function and communicative purpose, you can employ "it is almost" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's nearly

Changes "almost" to "nearly", which is a direct synonym and maintains the same grammatical structure and meaning.

it is close to

Replaces "almost" with "close to", indicating proximity but with slightly less emphasis on the degree of nearness.

it's practically

Substitutes "almost" with "practically", suggesting that something is virtually the case, though not completely.

it is verging on

Replaces "almost" with "verging on", implying that something is very close to becoming something else.

it is bordering on

Similar to "verging on", suggesting proximity to a certain state or condition.

it approaches

Uses "approaches" to convey that something is getting closer to a specific state or time.

it's just about

Adds "just about" to indicate nearness, implying a short distance or time remaining.

it is substantially

Indicates that something is largely or to a great extent something else.

it is virtually

Emphasizes that something is effectively or practically in a certain state.

it's on the verge of

Uses "on the verge of" to highlight that something is at the brink or edge of happening.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it is almost" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "it is nearing", "it is approaching", or "it is virtually" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "it is almost" in a sentence?

"It is almost" is appropriate when indicating that something is close to happening, being completed, or reaching a certain state. For instance, "It is almost finished" implies a task is nearing completion.

What's the difference between "it is almost" and "it is nearly"?

The terms "it is almost" and "it is nearly" are often interchangeable. Both convey a sense of close proximity to a certain state or event. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.

Can you provide examples of how to use "it is almost" in different contexts?

Certainly! "It is almost midnight" (time), "It is almost complete" (task completion), "It is almost summer" (season approaching), and "It is almost identical" (similarity) are all valid uses demonstrating the versatility of the phrase.