more nearly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more nearly" can be used in written English and is grammatically correct.
It is typically used to indicate something that is closer to a certain quality or state. Example: The two candidates' policies were very similar, but one candidate's plan was more nearly aligned with the voters' values.

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Thereafter the abundance is more nearly constant.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One-third would be more nearly accurate.

The New York Times - Books

The opposite is more nearly the case.

The New Yorker

Venus is more nearly spherical than most planets.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Elsewhere in the countryside social conditions were more nearly equal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

What's more, nearly all the quotes were for below £300.

The Guardian - Money

In places, the stairs more nearly resembled a ladder.

The New Yorker

Stylistically, they more nearly resemble succulent Napa and Australian blends.

The New York Times

But the more nearly total the state, the more vivid the dissident artist.

The New Yorker

More truly BroadO way now, and more nearly Coney, than ever.

The New Yorker

The latter view is probably more nearly correct, especially in violently fluctuating and unpredictable environments.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "more nearly" to express a subtle degree of approximation or closeness to a specific condition or state. For example, "The new policy is more nearly aligned with the company's core values."

Common error

Avoid using "more nearly" in very informal conversation. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stilted in casual settings. Simpler alternatives like "almost" or "nearly" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more nearly" functions as a degree modifier, indicating that something is approaching a certain state or quality without fully attaining it. It's used to express approximation, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. For example, "The two candidates' policies were very similar, but one candidate's plan was more nearly aligned with the voters' values."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

25%

News & Media

29%

Science

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "more nearly" functions as a degree modifier, indicating approximation or closeness to a certain state or quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in encyclopedias, news and media, and scientific contexts. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to formal writing and should be used sparingly in very informal settings. Alternatives like "almost" or "nearly" can often provide a simpler and more direct way to express similar meanings, and this decision should be made depending on the overall tone and register of your composition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nearly

A more direct and concise way to express approximation.

more closely

Focuses on the degree of similarity or resemblance.

more approximately

Emphasizes a rough estimation or imprecise match.

almost

Highlights how close something is to being complete or exact.

virtually

Indicates something is nearly or practically the same as something else.

practically

Suggests something is true in effect, if not strictly in fact.

essentially

Focuses on the fundamental nature or core characteristics.

in essence

Highlights the most important or characteristic aspect of something.

in effect

Indicates the practical consequence or result of something.

more or less

Indicates a degree of approximation without strict precision.

FAQs

How can I use "more nearly" in a sentence?

The phrase "more nearly" is used to indicate that something is close to being a particular way, but not quite. For example, "The revised budget is "more nearly" balanced than the original."

What can I say instead of "more nearly"?

You can use alternatives like "almost", "nearly", or "approximately" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "more nearly" or "most nearly"?

"More nearly" is used to compare two things, indicating one is closer to a certain state. "Most nearly" would be used to indicate something is the closest among three or more things.

What's the difference between "more nearly" and "more closely"?

"More nearly" emphasizes approximation to a condition or state, while "more closely" emphasizes a greater degree of similarity or resemblance. For example: "The results are "more nearly" accurate" (approaching accuracy) versus "The two designs resemble each other "more closely"" (greater similarity).