practically at

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "practically at" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to indicate that something is very close to a specific point or condition, often implying a slight difference. Example: "The temperature is practically at freezing." Alternative expressions include "almost at" and "nearly at."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In the ancient Mediterranean world, women were often held in low esteem, and this was the basis for divorce practices that put women practically at men's complete disposal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Scott's work was practically at a standstill.

The New Yorker

We chose 24 July practically at random.

The Guardian - Film

Paddy's adventures began practically at the moment he was born.

The Guardian

After that mishap, I got all my kids passports, practically at birth.

The New York Times

If there is an emergency, you are practically at the mercy of God".

The New York Times

We are practically at the same level, but today they had more focus".

The New York Times - Sports

He then tested his idea practically at his office in Berlin.

The New York Times - Arts

For weeks, the two men were practically at war over the issue.

The New York Times

The ball didn't even seem to hit the ground until it was practically at the plate.

The New York Times - Travel

That could have ruined his chances, both practically at that moment and psychologically for who knows how long.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "practically at" to convey a state that is almost reached, but not quite there yet. This creates a sense of anticipation or slight incompletion.

Common error

Avoid using "practically at" when the subject has fully reached the state or location. Instead of saying "He is practically at the finish line" when he has already crossed it, opt for "He has reached the finish line."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "practically at" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a noun or verb. According to Ludwig, it indicates that something is very close to a specific location, level, or condition, without being exactly there. It serves to express near proximity or a state of near-completion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "practically at" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate near proximity or approximation. According to Ludwig, it effectively conveys that something is close to a specific state, location, or level. While versatile, it's best suited for contexts where slight imprecision is acceptable. The phrase appears frequently in News & Media and Science sources. Ludwig examples support its usage in both formal and informal contexts, though misuse can occur if applied to situations where the state is fully achieved. Related phrases include "almost at" and "nearly at".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost at

Emphasizes the proximity to a certain point or condition, implying a slight difference or gap.

nearly at

Similar to "almost at", suggesting a close but not complete achievement of a state or location.

virtually at

Indicates that something is so close to a state or location that it can be considered the same for all practical purposes.

essentially at

Highlights the fundamental similarity to a state or condition, focusing on the core aspect.

tantamount to

Expresses that something is equivalent in effect or value to something else.

just about at

Conveys a sense of immediacy and slight imprecision regarding being at a specific point.

close to

Indicates physical or metaphorical proximity, but is more general than "practically at".

approaching

Focuses on the action of getting closer to a state or location, rather than the state of being near.

bordering on

Suggests that something is close to being something else, often implying a negative connotation.

akin to

Implies a similarity or resemblance, but doesn't necessarily indicate being physically or metaphorically "at" a place or state.

FAQs

What does "practically at" mean?

"Practically at" means nearly or almost at a specific location, level, or state. It implies a very close proximity without being exactly there.

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

You can use "practically at" to describe something that is very close to a particular condition or place. For example, "The water was "almost at" boiling point" or "We are "nearly at" our destination".

What are some alternatives to saying "practically at"?

Alternatives to "practically at" include phrases like "almost at", "nearly at", "virtually at", or "essentially at", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "practically at" and "literally at"?

Yes, "practically at" implies a close approximation, while "literally at" suggests an exact location or state. Using "literally at" indicates there's no deviation, whereas "practically at" allows for a small difference.