nearly passing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nearly passing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is close to achieving a certain standard or level, but not quite there. Example: "The student's exam score was nearly passing, falling just a few points short of the required mark."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

But after some months nearly passing out on the 5 2, I returned to the mumsy discipline of Weight Watchers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In March, he spent 12 days in the hospital after nearly passing out, and his diabetes became bleakly clear.

The New York Times

Nearly passing out from the heat, he helped direct 2,700 people down the stairs to safety.

The New York Times - Books

One student in Check BAC, who requested anonymity to avoid being stigmatized on campus, admitted drinking too much beer at a keg party and nearly passing out in the stadium, where a spectator alerted the campus police.

The New York Times - Sports

However if your period pain is too bad (dizziness, extreme pain, nearly passing out) consult your doctor immediately.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

I nearly passed out.

The New York Times

He nearly passed out at his own wedding.

The New Yorker

Honestly, I give you my word, I nearly passed away.

The New Yorker

After seven vials of blood, my daughter nearly passed out.

The New York Times

A similar ballot question was offered six years ago and nearly passed.

The New York Times

An hour later, I nearly passed out on the subway.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing academic performance, "nearly passing" can effectively convey a student's close proximity to the passing grade, prompting further evaluation or support.

Common error

Avoid using "nearly passing" when the situation clearly indicates complete failure. This phrase is best reserved for scenarios where the subject is within a close range of achieving the passing benchmark.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nearly passing" functions primarily as an adverbial modifier describing the action of "passing." It indicates the degree to which something approaches the state of passing. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nearly passing" serves as a useful phrase to indicate proximity to achieving a specific standard or level. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in written English, while its register remains largely neutral. While it commonly appears in news and media sources, other alternatives like "almost passing" or "close to passing" can be employed depending on context. It’s important to use it when the subject is within a close range of achieving the passing benchmark.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost passing

Replaces "nearly" with "almost", a synonym, slightly less formal.

close to passing

Uses a more descriptive phrase, indicating proximity to passing.

on the verge of passing

Implies being at the very edge of passing, suggesting a precarious situation.

bordering on passing

Similar to 'on the verge', but perhaps slightly less immediate.

nearing passing

Focuses on the approach to passing, highlighting the progression.

just about passing

Suggests a minimal success or qualification.

barely passing

Indicates passing with the smallest possible margin.

almost succeeding

Shifts the focus to success instead of the specific act of passing.

approaching success

Emphasizes the ongoing movement towards success.

on the cusp of success

Uses a more figurative expression, implying a turning point.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "nearly passing" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives like "almost passing", "close to passing", or "on the verge of passing" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "almost passing" or "nearly passing"?

Both "almost passing" and "nearly passing" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic considerations.

What does "nearly passing" imply?

"Nearly passing" implies that someone or something has come very close to meeting a required standard or threshold, but has not quite achieved it. It suggests a narrow margin of failure.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "nearly passing"?

The phrase "nearly passing" is appropriate in situations where you want to indicate that someone or something has come close to achieving a certain level or standard, such as in academics, sports, or evaluations. For instance, 'The student's exam score was "nearly passing", requiring just a few more points'.