most nearly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "most nearly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to indicate that something is the closest approximation or similarity to something else. Example: "The answer to the question is most nearly 42, based on the calculations provided."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

There were bottles and cartons, most nearly empty.

The New Yorker

The Aldermen (7 Wall. 694) will be found most nearly to resemble the one before us.

Cornell University

The United States Supreme Court has probably most nearly approached the view suggested by Judge Story.

Harvard University

Ketchup was, to his mind, the most nearly perfect of all the tomato's manifestations.

The New Yorker

In 1940 he was voted "Most Nearly Perfect Male Figure" by the University of California.

Independent

These conditions are most nearly realized only in very large lakes and in the oceans.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Of his remaining works on geology, Footprints of the Creator (1849) was the most nearly original.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Bohemians "are the most nearly like Western Europeans of all the Slavs".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

That's nearly the most important (ISS participant).

BMJ Open

But most years, nearly all are road users and about half are suicides.

The Guardian

Most were nearly bald.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "most nearly" when precision is not critical, but you want to convey a high degree of approximation. It adds a touch of formality and accuracy to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "most nearly" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or stilted in such settings; simpler alternatives like "almost" or "nearly" are usually more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most nearly" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate the degree to which something approximates a specific condition or value. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is acceptable and correct in written English. Examples across various sources demonstrate its use in specifying closeness to a certain state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "most nearly" serves as a precise adverbial phrase used to indicate a close approximation or similarity. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and appropriate for formal contexts such as news articles, academic papers, and encyclopedic entries. Its frequency across authoritative sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica underscores its reliability. While similar to phrases like "closest to" or "almost exactly", "most nearly" carries a more formal tone. When aiming for precision without absolute certainty, "most nearly" is a valuable asset in enhancing clarity and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

closest to

Emphasizes proximity in a more direct manner.

almost exactly

Highlights a near-perfect match.

virtually the same

Indicates a negligible difference.

practically identical

Focuses on the indistinguishable nature of the subjects.

essentially equal

Stresses the functional equivalence.

in close approximation

Formally denotes a rough estimation.

near enough

Suggests an acceptable level of accuracy.

almost to the point of

Highlights how close something is to a specific threshold.

to a close degree

Underscores the high level of similarity.

not far from

Indicates a relatively small difference or distance.

FAQs

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

Use "most nearly" to indicate something is the closest approximation or similarity to something else. For instance, "The estimate is most nearly $1 million" suggests it's very close to that amount.

What phrases are similar to "most nearly"?

Alternatives include "closest to", "almost exactly", or "virtually the same", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to use "most nearly" in formal writing?

Yes, "most nearly" is suitable for formal writing. It adds a level of precision and accuracy, making it appropriate for academic, scientific, or professional contexts.

How does "most nearly" differ from "almost"?

"Most nearly" implies a higher degree of accuracy and is more formal than "almost". "Almost" is more general and can be used in both formal and informal settings.