practically unbelievable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "practically unbelievable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is so extraordinary or implausible that it is hard to believe, yet it is almost true or real. Example: "The magician's final trick was practically unbelievable, leaving the audience in awe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Practically unbelievable.

The New York Times - Sports

The London-based artist and academic makes potent use of the practically unbelievable yet stylistically dramatic vocabulary of the genre, including the translations of worldwide amateur fans.

The Guardian - Arts

But such a mistake would be so shocking as to be practically unbelievable, researchers said.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

We have a practically unlimited supply of paper and an unbelievable number of men and women employed to write on it, and we never let up until the battered humorist goes back where he came from.

The New Yorker

"When you look at the all-round package, he's an unbelievable rugby player who is practically top of everything," says O'Shea.

BBC

Known for its unbelievable satire, the fictional news site can practically get away with genocide when it comes to its so-called coverage.

Huffington Post

The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, told media in Moscow on Thursday that Iran was essentially given an "unbelievable Christmas present – the capacity to maintain this [nuclear] breakout capability for practically no concessions at all".

The Guardian

As technology continues to advance with unbelievable speed, print publications are steadily being replaced by websites that update their content practically every time you refresh the browser.

Huffington Post

"Unbelievable, unbelievable.

The Guardian

Practically organic, practically vegan..."....

The New Yorker

"Practically anyone, practically anything".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "practically unbelievable" to express a strong sense of disbelief while acknowledging a slight possibility or element of truth. It's best suited for situations where you want to convey a sense of astonishment or mild skepticism.

Common error

While "practically unbelievable" is acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise or nuanced language that clearly articulates the specific reasons for doubt or disbelief.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "practically unbelievable" functions as an adjective phrase used to modify nouns. It conveys a sense of strong doubt or incredulity while acknowledging a slight possibility. As Ludwig AI indicates, it suggests something is nearly beyond belief.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "practically unbelievable" is an adjective phrase used to express a strong sense of disbelief while admitting a small degree of possibility. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It functions to modify nouns and convey surprise or skepticism. As indicated by the examples, its register is neutral, commonly appearing in news and media contexts. While authoritative sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian employ it, its overall usage remains relatively rare, with several alternatives like "almost impossible to believe" offering similar nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost impossible to believe

Emphasizes the near impossibility of believing something, suggesting a very high degree of doubt.

virtually impossible to credit

Highlights the difficulty in accepting something as true, focusing on the lack of credibility.

scarcely credible

Indicates that something is barely believable, implying a strong skepticism.

borderline implausible

Suggests that something is close to being unbelievable, hinting at a slight possibility.

next to unbelievable

Implies that something is almost unbelievable, emphasizing its improbability.

nigh inconceivable

Indicates that something is almost impossible to imagine or comprehend, stressing its unfamiliarity.

effectively unconvincing

Focuses on the lack of persuasiveness, suggesting that something fails to inspire belief.

tantamount to fiction

Compares something to a made-up story, emphasizing its lack of realism.

hardly to be expected

Highlights the unexpected nature of something, suggesting it was unlikely to happen.

verging on the incredible

Indicates that something is close to being amazing, hinting at its extraordinary nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "practically unbelievable" to describe events, claims, or situations that are difficult to believe yet not entirely impossible. For example: "The magician's trick was "practically unbelievable"."

What phrases are similar to "practically unbelievable"?

Alternatives to "practically unbelievable" include "almost impossible to believe", "scarcely credible", or "borderline implausible". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "practically unbelievable" a formal or informal expression?

"Practically unbelievable" is generally considered a neutral expression, suitable for both informal and semi-formal contexts. In highly formal or academic writing, consider using more precise language.

Can "practically unbelievable" be used for positive situations?

Yes, "practically unbelievable" can be used in positive situations to express amazement or wonder at something exceptionally good or fortunate. For instance, "His recovery was "practically unbelievable", a true miracle."