it is nearly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is nearly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is close to a certain point or condition, often in terms of time or quantity. Example: "It is nearly time for the meeting to start."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is nearly eight.

The New Yorker

It is nearly pop.

The New Yorker

Now it is nearly 5%.

The Economist

It is nearly impossible.

The New York Times - Health

It is nearly insurmountable.

The New York Times

It is nearly 3pm.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is nearly two thirds black.

Independent

Within context, it is nearly meaningless.

The New York Times

It is nearly two miles away.

Independent

It is nearly saturated with employment opportunities.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In fact, it is nearly as rich as hot chocolate.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is nearly", ensure the context provides a clear reference point for what is being approached or approximated. For example, "It is nearly midnight" implies the approach of midnight.

Common error

Avoid using "it is nearly" with absolute terms or conditions. For instance, saying "it is nearly complete" is acceptable, but "it is nearly perfect" can be misleading since perfection is an absolute state. Use alternatives like "almost perfect" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is nearly" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or adjective, indicating a state of approximation or closeness to a particular condition. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

16%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is nearly" serves as a versatile expression to indicate approximation. Ludwig AI validates its wide acceptance and grammatical correctness. Used across diverse contexts from news and academia to everyday conversation, it effectively conveys the idea that something is approaching a certain state or quantity. While it is essential to avoid using it with absolutes, the phrase remains a valuable tool for nuanced communication. Common alternatives include "it is almost" and "it is close to".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it's almost

Uses a contraction and replaces 'nearly' with 'almost' for a more casual tone.

it is close to

Replaces 'nearly' with 'close to', emphasizing proximity.

it is practically

Suggests a state that is very near to being complete or true.

it is virtually

Implies that something is so close to being a certain way that the difference is negligible.

it is just about

Indicates that something is on the verge of happening or being true.

it is nearing

Uses a verb form to express the approach of something.

it's getting close

More conversational way to indicate that something is approaching.

it approaches

Formal alternative that emphasizes the process of nearing a state.

it is verging on

Indicates that something is on the brink of becoming something else, often negative.

it borders on

Implies something is so close to another state that there's little distinction.

FAQs

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

Use "it is nearly" to express that something is close to a certain time, quantity, or state. For example, "It is nearly time for dinner", "It is nearly 300 acres", or "It is nearly impossible".

What are some alternatives to "it is nearly"?

You can use alternatives like "it is almost", "it is close to", or "it is practically" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "it is nearly" and "it is almost"?

While both phrases express approximation, "it is nearly" can sometimes imply a slightly more gradual approach compared to "it is almost". The choice often depends on stylistic preference and the specific context.

When is it inappropriate to use "it is nearly"?

Avoid using "it is nearly" with absolutes where approximation doesn't make sense. For instance, saying "it is nearly unique" is less precise than saying "it is almost unique" or simply "it is unique" if the intention is to convey rarity.