nigh

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'nigh' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to mean 'close to' or 'almost'. For example, "It is nigh time for dinner" or "The deadline is nigh."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

You'd reckon, at first glance, that Rupert Murdoch's own game of thrones was well nigh over.

The Guardian

With more power than most players, she dictates rallies and though her radar can go astray from time to time, when it is set right, she is nigh unbeatable, especially on grass.

The Guardian - Sport

'If I have a film to promote, then I have responsibility to project it, but when I see my personal life exposed it really pisses me off.' This antipathy has its roots in a story a few years back about Carlyle's mother, whom he hadn't seen for nigh on 30 years.

The Guardian - Film

Incidentally all 56 members of this field are wearing green skullcaps, which might make identifying who is doing what in the swim nigh on impossible.

The Guardian - Sport

For nigh on 20 years, he has held the nationalist standard in the threshing rooms and bars of the STUC all over the city.

The Guardian - Opinion

'The response that we want them to read with care is nigh, for we shall write it, God willing, in a language which they understand.' Another possible perpetrator was Osama bin Laden, the exiled scion of an enormously wealthy Saudi merchant family.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

That mix is nigh-on irresistible for the station's target audience.

The Guardian

Mum Natasha, in her early 20s, admits that they've never eaten a home-cooked meal in their lives; a fact which the nigh-tearful Jamie Oliver is finding hard to digest.

The Guardian

As a television spectacle, despite the horrible weather that has cursed the Irish Open, the backdrop seemed well-nigh impossible to beat.

The Guardian - Sport

The saddle bag, however, is nigh-on ergonomically perfect.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Like many residents, Mr Somekawa, who is now 47, is dismayed at the news, but he says the decision is well-nigh inevitable.The final word will come from the governor of Kagoshima prefecture and from Satsumasendai's mayor.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nigh" sparingly in modern writing, as it can sound archaic or affected. It's best suited for contexts aiming for a deliberately old-fashioned or formal tone.

Common error

While both words indicate proximity, "nigh" often carries a stronger sense of imminence or a more formal tone than "near". Avoid using "nigh" simply as a direct replacement for "near" without considering the intended nuance.

Linguistic Context

The word "nigh" functions as an adverb, adjective, verb, or preposition, indicating proximity in space, time, or degree. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts, though it notes the word is somewhat archaic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "nigh" functions as an adverb, adjective, verb, or preposition to denote closeness or imminence. While grammatically sound, as Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is somewhat archaic, lending a formal or literary tone to writing. Predominantly found in news and media, "nigh" is less common in casual speech. For modern writing, consider synonyms like "near" or "almost" for a more contemporary feel.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

well-nigh

An archaic synonym meaning "almost", related to the older usage of "nigh".

close to

Indicates physical or metaphorical proximity, similar to "nigh".

near to

Implies a short distance or time, akin to "nigh".

approaching

Suggests something is drawing closer, paralleling "nigh".

almost

Denotes something nearly achieved or true, similar to one sense of "nigh".

virtually

Indicates something is practically the case, aligning with "nigh" as 'almost'.

nearly

Expresses a state close to completion or truth, like "nigh".

about to

Shows immediate future action, similar to "nigh" in certain contexts.

on the verge of

Indicates an imminent state, mirroring "nigh"'s sense of closeness.

on the brink of

Suggests an impending event or state, close to the meaning of "nigh".

FAQs

How can I use "nigh" in a sentence?

"Nigh" can be used as an adverb meaning 'almost' or 'nearly', as an adjective meaning 'near', or as a preposition meaning 'close to'. For example, 'The end is "close to"!' or 'It is "almost" impossible'.

What does "nigh on" mean?

"Nigh on" means 'very nearly' or 'almost'. For example, 'I haven't seen him for "almost" 30 years'.

What can I say instead of "nigh"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "near", "close", "almost", or "approaching".

Is "nigh" still commonly used in modern English?

While grammatically correct, "nigh" is considered somewhat archaic or formal in modern English. It is not as frequently used as its synonyms like "near" or "almost".