practically anyone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "practically anyone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a very large number of people, or almost all people, are included in a statement or situation. Example: "The event is open to practically anyone who wants to attend, regardless of their background."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Practically anyone, practically anything".

The New York Times

We believe that practically anyone could use our design.

Cornell University

You will not have heard of him — neither had I, neither has practically anyone.

The New Yorker

Far from bashful, Ms. Kinn began complaining to practically anyone who would listen.

The New York Times

They have evaluated more personnel professionals than practically anyone in the country.

The Guardian - Money

He helped practically anyone who asked for advice, like undergraduates, economists and candidates.

The New York Times

Practically anyone who wanted a job could find one, Freeman-Wilson said.

The Washington Post

He knows more about French bread than practically anyone else, some of France's top bakers say.

The New York Times - Arts

You will not have heard of him neither had I, neither has practically anyone.

The New Yorker

By the time he got going, he was more unrepressed than practically anyone".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Since then it's signed deal after deal to sell traffic data to practically anyone…so long as they collect that same data and send it back to Inrix.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "practically anyone", ensure the statement remains accurate even if a few exceptions exist. It suggests a very high degree of generality, not necessarily a perfect one.

Common error

Avoid using "practically anyone" when there are significant exceptions or limitations. Overstating inclusivity can undermine credibility. Instead, use more accurate quantifiers or qualifiers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "practically anyone" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun. Ludwig AI confirms that it indicates a broad, almost universal inclusion, acting as a quantifier to suggest that few are excluded.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "practically anyone" is a widely used and grammatically sound expression that suggests near-universal inclusion. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, and academia where it communicates broad applicability. When using "practically anyone", it is crucial to ensure the context supports a high degree of generality without overstating inclusivity. Alternatives such as "almost everyone" and "virtually everyone" can be considered based on the intended nuance and emphasis. Remember to maintain accuracy and avoid overgeneralization to preserve credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost everyone

Slightly more informal and emphasizes near-universal inclusion.

virtually everyone

Highlights the idea that exceptions are negligible or don't alter the main point.

nearly everyone

Indicates that the group includes a high percentage of people.

just about everyone

Emphasizes the casual and inclusive nature of the statement.

most people

More general term, covering a significant portion of the population but not necessarily all.

the vast majority

Highlights that only a small number are excluded.

a large number of people

Focuses on the quantity and significance.

an overwhelming number of individuals

Emphasizes the size and impact of the number of people.

essentially everyone

Focuses on the fundamental truth of the statement.

basically everyone

Indicates a fundamental truth about the inclusion.

FAQs

How can I use "practically anyone" in a sentence?

You can use "practically anyone" to suggest that almost everyone is included in a statement. For example, "Practically anyone can learn to code with online resources".

What's the difference between "practically anyone" and "everyone"?

"Practically anyone" implies that nearly everyone is included, while "everyone" suggests absolute inclusivity. There might be a few exceptions when using "practically anyone".

What are some alternatives to "practically anyone"?

Alternatives include "almost everyone", "virtually everyone", or "nearly everyone", depending on the context and desired level of emphasis.

Is it appropriate to use "practically anyone" in formal writing?

Yes, "practically anyone" is acceptable in most contexts, including formal writing, as Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. However, consider the specific nuance you want to convey and whether a more precise term is more appropriate.