it is almost universal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is almost universal" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is widely accepted or prevalent in many places or among many people, but not necessarily everywhere. Example: "The use of smartphones has become so common that it is almost universal among teenagers today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

One survey of student attitudes towards STEM found that "it is almost universal that mathematics and science is seen as boring and not related to real life" [PDF].

TechCrunch

In some industries it is almost universal.

The Economist

Elsewhere in the world government have always decided that advanced metering will only work if it is almost universal.

The Guardian

However, support for it is decreasing among both sexes but especially younger people, even in countries where it is almost universal.

The Economist

Salt is an unusual food product because it is almost universal — all human beings need salt, and most choose to eat more than is necessary.

The New Yorker

Moreover, he said, it is almost universal practice for the managing agent to file the application on behalf of the co-op's board.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

And the only things that happens in these other countries is like FGM is present and it's almost universal but then at the same time what [about] other forms of gender-based violence?

The Guardian

"It's almost universal for Internet company hires to get options," says Diane Doubleday, a compensation consultant with the William M. Mercer firm.

Forbes

While the concept of "no-fault divorce" started in the 1950s, it was almost universal by the 1970s.

Huffington Post

One of rail travel's most appealing aspects is that it's almost universal -- nearly anywhere you go in the world, there's some kind of train service.

Huffington Post

There needed to be adultery, abandonment, cruelty, intoxication or some other reason that made it necessary to end the marriage". While the concept of "no-fault divorce" started in the 1950s, it was almost universal by the 1970s.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is almost universal" to convey that something is very common but not necessarily 100% true in all situations. This nuanced phrasing avoids overstatement and maintains accuracy.

Common error

Avoid using "it is almost universal" when describing something that has significant exceptions or known counterexamples. Ensure your claim is supported by evidence before using this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is almost universal" functions as an evaluative expression, indicating a high degree of prevalence or acceptance. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. It is often used to describe practices, beliefs, or phenomena that are widespread but not necessarily absolute.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is almost universal" serves as a qualifier, indicating widespread prevalence while acknowledging exceptions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and versatile. It's frequently found in news articles, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts, demonstrating its use in both formal and informal communication. While alternatives like "it is widely accepted" or "it is generally true" can be used, "it is almost universal" provides a specific nuance that balances broad applicability with realistic limitations. Use it to accurately portray situations where a concept or practice is highly common but not entirely without exception.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's nearly ubiquitous

Replaces "almost universal" with "nearly ubiquitous" offering a more sophisticated vocabulary but retaining the core meaning of widespread presence.

it is widely prevalent

A more formal synonym, stressing the extensive occurrence of something.

it's practically everywhere

Substitutes "almost universal" with a more colloquial expression, emphasizing the widespread nature of something.

it's common in most cases

Replaces "almost universal" with a phrase indicating high frequency but acknowledging some exceptions.

it's virtually worldwide

Emphasizes global presence or impact, suggesting only minor limitations in reach.

it prevails in the majority

Offers a more formal alternative, suggesting dominance or widespread occurrence within a specific group or situation.

it's typical in most instances

Suggests that something is a standard or expected occurrence in given situations.

it is broadly accepted

Focuses on the acceptance or agreement aspect rather than sheer prevalence, suitable for describing ideas or practices.

it is generally the rule

Implies that something is the standard or expected behavior, with few exceptions.

it's largely recognized

Highlights recognition and acknowledgement more than simple occurrence.

FAQs

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

Use "it is almost universal" to describe something that is widespread but not entirely without exception. For example, "The belief in basic human rights "is almost universal", although specific interpretations may vary".

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

You can use alternatives like "it is widely accepted", "it is generally true", or "it is mostly common" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it accurate to say "it is almost universal" when there are known exceptions?

Yes, "it is almost universal" acknowledges the existence of exceptions while still emphasizing the overall prevalence of something. It is more accurate than claiming something is completely universal when it is not.

What is the difference between "it is almost universal" and "it is universal"?

"It is universal" implies that something applies to every single case without exception. "It is almost universal" suggests that it applies in nearly every case, but there might be some exceptions.