nearly perfect

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nearly perfect" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is very close to being perfect but has minor flaws or imperfections. Example: "The design of the new smartphone is nearly perfect, with only a few minor adjustments needed for optimal performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Montana was nearly perfect.

The New York Times

MassEffect 2 is nearly perfect.

Independent

Well, nearly perfect.

The New York Times - Sports

Sanchez was nearly perfect.

The New York Times

It's nearly perfect".

The Guardian - Sport

Nearly perfect weather.

The New York Times - Sports

She also spoke in nearly perfect paragraphs.

The New Yorker

It became a nearly perfect meal.

The New York Times - Travel

The pair's adherence was nearly perfect.

The New York Times

"It was nearly perfect," the official says.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"This is nearly perfect..

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nearly perfect" to acknowledge minor imperfections while still emphasizing a high degree of quality or accuracy.

Common error

Avoid using "nearly perfect" when the subject has significant flaws; instead, opt for a more accurate descriptor like "good" or "above average".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nearly perfect" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It describes something that approaches perfection but isn't entirely without flaws. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

22%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "nearly perfect" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that is very close to being ideal but still has some minor flaws. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage across diverse fields, including News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. While alternatives such as "almost flawless" or "virtually ideal" exist, "nearly perfect" offers a balanced acknowledgment of quality and imperfection. Its presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian reinforces its reliability and acceptability in both formal and informal contexts. In summary, it’s a versatile phrase for expressing high satisfaction while maintaining accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost flawless

Indicates a state very close to perfection, with minimal imperfections.

almost ideal

Indicates a state that is just shy of being the best possible.

virtually ideal

Emphasizes the practical equivalence to perfection, with negligible deviations.

all but perfect

Expresses that only a small detail prevents it from being perfect.

practically faultless

Highlights the absence of significant faults or errors.

close to ideal

Suggests proximity to the best possible condition or standard.

essentially perfect

Focuses on the fundamental or core aspects being without flaw.

approaching perfection

Conveys a sense of progression towards a state of perfection.

borderline perfect

Highlights that something is close to being considered perfect.

nigh on perfect

An idiomatic way of saying something is very close to perfect, more informal.

FAQs

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

You can use "nearly perfect" to describe something that is very close to being without fault. For example, "The student's essay was "nearly perfect", with only minor grammatical errors."

What are some alternatives to saying "nearly perfect"?

Alternatives to "nearly perfect" include "almost flawless", "virtually ideal", or "practically faultless", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "nearly perfect" or "absolutely perfect"?

"Nearly perfect" is suitable when acknowledging minor flaws, while "absolutely perfect" suggests there are no flaws at all. Use "absolutely perfect" only when something is truly without any imperfections.

What is the difference between "nearly perfect" and "close to perfect"?

"Nearly perfect" and "close to perfect" are very similar in meaning. "Nearly perfect" might suggest a slightly higher degree of accuracy or quality compared to "close to perfect", though the difference is subtle.