it practically was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it practically was" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something was almost or nearly the case, often in a context where the speaker wants to emphasize the closeness to a certain state or condition. Example: "After all the hard work we put in, it practically was a miracle that we finished on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

It practically was: Mr. Huang signed the lease on Nov. 10 and opened on Dec. 23.

The New York Times

"It practically wasn't celebrated then," her son and the shop's administrator, Yegor V. Zaporozhets, said.

The New York Times

For one more day, it practically was. .

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The fact that a leg was amputated seems almost an impossibility — and, statistically speaking, it practically is.

The New York Times - Magazine

And it practically is -- it's the language of fans.

Huffington Post

And since the 90's, it has practically been de rigueur as a subject for art.

The New York Times - Magazine

It'd practically be the focus of your entire room!

WikiHow

"Thinking practically, is it worth your time?" Azizi asks.

Los Angeles Times

Look at it today: it's practically empty".

Independent

Practically, it's a strange addition.

Independent

But practically, it's fraught with problems".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it practically was" to emphasize that something almost reached a certain state or condition. It adds a nuance of near-completion or high probability.

Common error

Avoid using "it practically was" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it practically was" functions as a comment clause, indicating a subjective assessment of a past situation. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is usable in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it practically was" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to indicate that something almost happened or nearly reached a certain state. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is correct and useful to emphasize the closeness to a certain condition. While primarily found in neutral contexts like news and media, it's essential to use it judiciously in formal writing. Consider alternatives like "it was almost" or "it nearly was" for more formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was almost

This alternative is a more direct way of saying something nearly happened or was nearly true, removing the emphasis of "practically".

it nearly was

This alternative substitutes "practically" with "nearly", offering a slightly less emphatic version of the original phrase.

it virtually was

This alternative uses "virtually" to convey the same meaning, suggesting something was true in effect, if not in reality.

it essentially was

This alternative uses "essentially" which implies that the core nature of something was a certain way, even if not explicitly.

it was all but

This alternative uses the idiom "all but" to express near completion or certainty.

it bordered on being

This alternative shifts the focus to the verge of becoming something, highlighting the proximity to a state.

it came close to being

This alternative emphasizes the nearness of a particular state, highlighting the potential that almost materialized.

it was tantamount to being

This alternative uses "tantamount" to suggest the situation was equivalent in effect, though not in name.

it verged on being

Similar to "bordered on being", this option conveys that something was on the edge of a particular state.

it was akin to being

This alternative uses "akin" to suggest a resemblance, implying the situation shared key characteristics with another.

FAQs

What does "it practically was" mean?

The phrase "it practically was" means that something almost happened or was very close to being a certain way. It suggests a high degree of likelihood or near-completion.

How can I use "it practically was" in a sentence?

You can use "it practically was" to describe a situation that nearly reached a certain state. For example, "After all the effort, "it practically was" a success".

What are some alternatives to "it practically was"?

Alternatives include "it was almost", "it nearly was", or "it virtually was". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it practically was" formal or informal?

"It practically was" leans toward the informal side. In formal writing, consider more precise language, such as "it was essentially" or "it closely resembled".