Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

MitStanfordHarvardAustralian Nationa UniversityNanyangOxford

practically time

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "practically time" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express a sense of immediacy or urgency, but it lacks clarity and context. Example: "We are practically time for the deadline, so we need to hurry up."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Willie Lomans of the world should take heart: By the time CEOs make it to the top it's practically time to retire.

News & Media

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In these studies, the low-calorie feeding was practically timed and confined to the day or night, similarly to MUPA, or introduced in large intervals and continued throughout life time allowing appropriate adaptation.

Science

Aging

"But this is practically full time".

News & Media

The New York Times

Practically every time Spartacus comes onstage he does so in leaps on the diagonal.

News & Media

The New Yorker

Fish broth, however, is ready in practically no time, and it can even be free.

News & Media

The New York Times

Frankly, it went from the best to the worst in practically no time.

News & Media

The New York Times

You can practically tell time by the familiar faces, regulars at a certain unchanging hour.

News & Media

The New York Times

Practically every time his name was mentioned, AIDS was mentioned too, as his I.D.

News & Media

The New Yorker

"Mr. Medvedev has practically no time left to declare his political intentions," read an editorial on the online newspaper Gazeta.ru.

News & Media

The New York Times

I 'renounce beliefs' practically every time I think about the topics or find out what someone else is thinking".

News & Media

The New Yorker

The enemy may have the means of retaliation, but he has practically no time in which to decide to retaliate.

News & Media

The New Yorker
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to use the phrase "practically time", consider whether other phrases such as "almost time" or "nearly time" would provide greater clarity and be grammatically correct.

Common error

Avoid using "practically time" when you intend to say "almost time" or "nearly time". The phrase "practically time" is not idiomatic and can confuse your readers. Review your writing and replace it with established phrases that are grammatically correct.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "practically time" functions as an adverbial modifier intended to express the nearness of a specific time. However, as Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is grammatically questionable and not a standard English expression. Its use is not recommended.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "practically time" is not considered a standard or grammatically correct English expression. While it attempts to convey a sense of nearness to a specific time, it's recommended to use clearer and more common alternatives such as "almost time" or "nearly time". As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is questionable, so it's better to use established phrases to avoid confusion and ensure grammatical correctness in your writing. When unsure, opt for alternatives that provide clarity and are widely accepted.

FAQs

What does "practically" mean in relation to time?

The word "practically" generally means 'almost' or 'virtually'. In relation to time, using "practically" suggests nearness or approximation, but the phrase "practically time" is not a standard English expression.

Is it correct to say "practically time"?

No, it is not generally correct to say "practically time". It's better to use phrases like "almost time" or "nearly time", which are more common and grammatically sound.

What can I say instead of "practically time"?

You can use alternatives like "almost time", "virtually time" (though less common), or rephrase the sentence to use clearer expressions depending on the intended meaning.

How can I use "almost" and "practically" correctly when referring to time?

"Almost" and "practically" can both be used to indicate approximation. For example, "It's almost time for lunch" or "He has practically no time to spare". However, the phrase "practically time" is not a standard construction.

ChatGPT power + Grammarly precisionChatGPT power + Grammarly precision
ChatGPT + Grammarly

Editing plus AI, all in one place.

Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.

Source & Trust

84%

Authority and reliability

2.8/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: