it is almost automatic

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is almost automatic" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a process or action that occurs with little thought or effort, often due to familiarity or habit. Example: "After years of practice, playing the piano has become so natural for her that it is almost automatic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It is almost automatic.

The New York Times - Sports

"A few years ago I had to pause and remember to put one on the table," she says, though it is almost automatic now.

The New York Times

"Since it was possible to try him as an adult in 1975," he said, "and since it is almost automatic that he would be tried as an adult if the crime were committed today, I think he'll be moved to Superior Court".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It's almost automatic – first you look at pictures, and second, you're thinking how you'd score those pictures".

The Guardian - Opinion

When it came time for the first killing — Kenya Cook, 21, in Tacoma in February 2002 — Malvo said it was almost automatic.

The Washington Post

"If we leave our compound, it's almost automatic that our cars will be seized" by patrolling rebels, Mr. St. Louis said.

The New York Times

It's almost automatic – the right despises the European project, therefore there must be something in it, so the logic goes.

The Guardian - Opinion

From where we were earlier in the season, when we couldn't score touchdowns, to now, when it's almost automatic inside the red zone.

The New York Times - Sports

It was almost automatic, a reflex, and why wouldn't it be, for the powerful and increasingly militaristic Indian state is well rehearsed in dealing with the oppressed and weak of Kashmir.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's almost automatic, although you have no control whatsoever over the layout of the result.

TechCrunch

The latter differs from the previous ones because it proposes a different working cycle that is almost automatic and much safer for the operators.

Mechanism and Machine Theory

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is almost automatic" when you want to convey that something happens predictably with little or no conscious effort, often due to repetition or established processes.

Common error

While acceptable, consider more precise or formal alternatives like "virtually certain" or "nearly guaranteed" in academic or professional writing to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is almost automatic" functions as a descriptor, indicating that an action, process, or outcome occurs with a high degree of predictability and minimal conscious effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is almost automatic" is a grammatically correct and comprehensible way to describe something that happens with a high degree of predictability and little conscious effort. While Ludwig AI validates its use, it's important to consider the context and choose more formal alternatives for academic or professional writing. Predominantly found in news and media sources, the phrase effectively communicates the near-certainty and ease associated with routine events or behaviors. Understanding this can help writers use more precise and impactful language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's almost a certainty

Highlights the high probability, replacing "automatic" with a more statistical term.

it's practically guaranteed

Emphasizes the high probability of something occurring, differing in its focus on assurance.

it's virtually certain

Highlights the near-absolute certainty of an event, shifting the emphasis to inevitability.

it's second nature

Focuses on something being ingrained through habit, unlike the more general automaticity of the original phrase.

it is nearly assured

Stresses the assurance aspect, offering a more formal alternative.

it comes naturally

Suggests ease and inherent ability, diverging from the idea of a learned or predictable process.

it's a given

Implies something is pre-determined or assumed, rather than happening as a result of a process.

it's practically a reflex

Compares the action to a quick, involuntary response, changing the focus to immediacy.

it's routine

Indicates that something is standard procedure or regularly done, rather than necessarily effortless.

it's standard practice

Implies established procedure or convention, shifting away from the concept of automatic behavior.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is almost automatic" to describe actions or processes that happen predictably and with little conscious effort. For example: "After years of practice, playing the piano "it is almost automatic"".

What can I say instead of "it is almost automatic"?

You can use alternatives like "it is second nature", "it comes naturally", or "it is virtually certain" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "it is almost automatic"?

Yes, "it is almost automatic" is grammatically correct and understandable. Ludwig AI confirms its validity.

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

"It is automatic" implies something happens without any intervention, whereas "it is almost automatic" suggests it is highly likely but not completely certain or may require minimal input.