it was virtually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was virtually" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is almost or nearly true, but not completely so. Example: "It was virtually impossible to complete the project on time due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Founded by European settlers, it was virtually all white for most of its existence.

Los Angeles Times

It was virtually empty.

The New York Times

Instead, it was virtually empty, too.

The New York Times

It was virtually guaranteed the gold already.

The New Yorker

By 1950, it was virtually past.

The Guardian

At first glance, it was virtually unthinkable.

The Washington Post

For years, it was virtually a qualification.

The New Yorker

It was virtually a meal of liquid beef.

The New York Times

"It was virtually a word game," Cronin said.

The New York Times - Magazine

At the time, it was virtually unknown in the city.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's virtually impossible.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was virtually", ensure the context provides a clear understanding of the small difference or exception that prevents it from being completely true.

Common error

Avoid using "it was virtually" when the situation is definitively true or false. The phrase implies a slight degree of uncertainty or approximation, so ensure your language reflects this nuance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was virtually" functions as an adverbial modifier, qualifying a statement to indicate a state that is nearly, but not entirely, true. It introduces a degree of approximation. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples where the phrase modifies adjectives or adjectival phrases.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was virtually" is a versatile and commonly used construction that serves to qualify statements, indicating a near or almost complete state. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically sound and suitable for diverse writing contexts. Its prevalence in news and media highlights its utility in delivering nuanced information. When using this phrase, writers should be mindful of the subtle degree of approximation it conveys, ensuring it accurately reflects the intended meaning and avoiding overstatements. Knowing alternatives, such as "it was practically" or "it was almost entirely", can enhance precision and style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was practically

Emphasizes the nearness to being complete or factual; slightly stronger than 'virtually'.

it was almost entirely

Highlights the high degree of completeness, focusing on the part that remains.

it was nearly completely

Similar to "almost entirely", but with a focus on the completion aspect.

it was to all intents and purposes

A more formal and emphatic way of saying something is true in effect, even if not in reality.

it was effectively

Indicates the outcome is the same as if it were actually the case.

it was near enough

A more informal way of expressing approximation; implies the difference is negligible.

it was just about

Suggests being very close to a certain state or condition.

it was more or less

Indicates a general approximation; less precise than 'virtually'.

it bordered on

Suggests the subject nearly reaches a certain state, often negative.

it approached being

Implies a process moving towards a particular state, without fully reaching it.

FAQs

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

The phrase "it was virtually" is used to indicate that something is nearly or almost the case, but not entirely. For example, "The project was virtually complete, needing only a few minor adjustments."

What phrases are similar to "it was virtually"?

Similar phrases include "it was practically", "it was almost entirely", or "it was nearly completely", all conveying a sense of near completion or truth.

Is it correct to say "it was virtually impossible"?

Yes, saying "it was virtually impossible" is a common and correct usage. It suggests that something was extremely difficult or close to impossible, though not absolutely so.

What's the difference between "it was virtually" and "it was literally"?

"It was virtually" implies something is nearly true, while "it was literally" means something is exactly true. They have opposite meanings and should not be used interchangeably.