near mint condition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "near mint condition" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe an item, especially collectibles, that is in excellent condition but may have minor imperfections. Example: "The comic book is in near mint condition, with only a slight crease on the cover."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The Jawa toy in its original packaging was in "near mint" condition, according to Teesside auction house Vectis.

BBC

But then came the Big Find: a box of a rare cards issued around 1910 in near mint condition.

Forbes

For example, a 1985 Mark McGwire Mark McGwire that officially lists at $80 in Near Mint condition can fetch as much as $1,200 for the Gem Mint (the highest grade) version.

Forbes

I found it at a flea market in near mint condition for one euro, if I recall correctly.

Vice

If it is in "mint" condition (perfect) or "near mint" condition, it will have the highest possible value.

WikiHow

They also know that today a copy of that issue, in near mint condition, is worth $16,500.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

It was in near-mint condition and was probably fashioned just after the Civil War.

The New York Times - Sports

Her box from last year (a 64-pack with the built-in sharpener) is in near-mint condition.

The New York Times - Tech

The prim little Georgian-style structure is in near-mint condition, but not everything has remained the same.

The New York Times

Pressing his thumbnail into a new one, Drummond found that it was properly soft and pliant, in near-mint condition, and he began pulling out the old platen.

The New Yorker

Robinson's 1952 Topps card in near-mint condition has appreciated even faster, to $8,100, from $3,200, according to Osacky.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing collectibles or vintage items, use "near mint condition" to accurately convey that the item is in excellent shape with only minor flaws, which can significantly impact its value.

Common error

Avoid using "near mint condition" if the item has noticeable wear, damage, or significant flaws. Misrepresenting the condition can lead to distrust and devalue the item.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "near mint condition" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, typically modifying a noun (e.g., "a card in near mint condition"). Ludwig AI indicates that it's used to describe the state of an object, especially collectibles.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Wiki

25%

Academia

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "near mint condition" is a descriptive adjective phrase used to indicate that an item is in excellent condition with only minor imperfections. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and most commonly found in news and media, and wiki contexts, though examples also appear in academic writing. When using the phrase, ensure the item truly reflects its quality, as overstating its condition can be misleading. Consider alternatives like "excellent preserved state" or "almost perfect state" depending on context. As the term can be subjective, providing clear descriptions and photos is recommended, especially when dealing with valuable items.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost perfect state

Emphasizes the high level of quality, focusing on its closeness to perfection, rather than condition.

excellent preserved state

Highlights the preservation aspect, indicating that the item has been well-maintained over time.

pristine like new

Focuses on the item's resemblance to its original, unused condition.

in top notch shape

Uses a more informal idiom to describe the item's superior condition.

virtually flawless

Emphasizes the absence of significant defects, focusing on minimal imperfections.

in prime condition

Indicates that the item is in its best possible condition.

superb state of preservation

Highlights the remarkable preservation quality of the item over a period of time.

close to new

Simple and direct, indicating a condition very similar to that of a new item.

in great shape

A general phrase for excellent condition. Less formal than "near mint condition".

well-preserved

Focuses solely on the preservation aspect, without explicitly mentioning its condition relative to new.

FAQs

How do you use "near mint condition" in a sentence?

You can use "near mint condition" to describe collectibles or vintage items. For example, "The comic book is in near mint condition, with only a slight crease on the cover".

What is the difference between "mint condition" and "near mint condition"?

"Mint condition" implies the item is perfect, while "near mint condition" indicates it's almost perfect but may have minor imperfections.

What can I say instead of "near mint condition"?

You can use alternatives like "excellent preserved state", "almost perfect state", or "pristine like new" depending on the context.

Is "near mint condition" a subjective term?

Yes, "near mint condition" can be subjective, as the assessment of minor imperfections can vary. Clear descriptions and photos are helpful when selling items described as "near mint condition".