time is virtually

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "time is virtually" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that time is almost or nearly something, often in a context where precision is not exact. Example: "In this fast-paced world, time is virtually non-existent for those who juggle multiple responsibilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"The fact of steroids having any effect at this time is virtually nil," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Ninety-five per cent of my time is virtually wasted," he said.

The New Yorker

That time is virtually equal to that of a Mustang Boss 302, which requires a 5-liter V-8 and 129 additional horses to do it.

The New York Times

Steve Pedulla, of the emo band Thursday -- whose recently released "War All the Time" is virtually a concept album about coping with suicidal urges -- agrees.

The New York Times - Arts

It's like looking at a landscape that changes slowly with the lengthening of the shadows and the deepening of the light, in which time is virtually suspended.

The Guardian - Music

I typically squeeze in my doctoral work during evenings and weekends, but in fact, trying to segregate family, work and PhD time is virtually impossible – my doctoral work is always on, running as a background programme throughout the day.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

The canal was cut and in no time was virtually choked with traffic.

The New York Times - Arts

Although the student body at one time was virtually all black, students of other races began attending after World War II, especially in the graduate schools.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Italian noblemen of the time were virtually duty-bound to kill their wife once they had been found guilty of adultery.

The Guardian - Music

And, at home, the Christian Democrats' party-finance scandal has, for the time being, virtually removed a serious opposition from sight.But the cigar-smoking chancellor, with his ever-ready salesman's grin, has shown tenacity, courage and skill.

The Economist

The birth of world music can be dated to 1982 83, when British and American promoters, record companies, distributors, and stores, as well as some journalists and broadcasters, began to promote music from other countries, especially African music, which for a time was virtually synonymous with world music.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "time is virtually", ensure that the context clearly indicates what aspect of time is being approximated. For example, "time is virtually suspended" suggests a near-complete cessation of temporal progression.

Common error

Avoid using "time is virtually" when a more precise measurement is available or necessary. Overusing 'virtually' can weaken the impact of your statement. Consider whether 'almost', 'nearly', or a specific numerical value would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "time is virtually" functions as a qualifier, modifying the concept of time. It indicates that the actual time involved is close to, but not exactly, a certain state or condition. Ludwig shows this can range from 'virtually nil' to 'virtually suspended'.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "time is virtually" serves as a qualifier used to express an approximate measure of time, as confirmed by Ludwig. It’s grammatically sound and functions to indicate that time is near to a particular state. While found across various contexts, it’s most prevalent in News & Media and Science. Remember to consider whether a more precise term would be more appropriate based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

time is almost

Replaces "virtually" with "almost", indicating a near but not exact equivalence in time.

time is nearly

Substitutes "virtually" with "nearly", suggesting a close approximation of time.

time is practically

Uses "practically" instead of "virtually", implying a functional equivalence in time.

time is effectively

Replaces "virtually" with "effectively", highlighting the practical outcome regarding time.

time is essentially

Substitutes "virtually" with "essentially", focusing on the fundamental nature of the time involved.

time is tantamount to

Uses "tantamount to", indicating that the time is equivalent in effect or value.

time is akin to

Replaces "virtually" with "akin to", suggesting a similarity or resemblance in time aspects.

time is in effect

Uses "in effect" to convey that the time has a certain impact or consequence.

time is as good as

Indicates that the time is nearly or practically the same as another.

time is close to

Expresses the idea that time is approaching or nearing a specific point.

FAQs

How can I use "time is virtually" in a sentence?

You can use "time is virtually" to express that the amount of time is near or very close to being something. For instance, "In this process, time is virtually irrelevant" suggests time has little impact.

What are some alternatives to "time is virtually"?

You can use alternatives like "time is almost", "time is nearly", or "time is practically" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "time is virtually" instead of "time is exactly"?

"Time is virtually" is appropriate when you want to indicate that the time is close to being something but not precisely. "Time is exactly" should be used when precision is required.

What does "time is virtually suspended" mean?

"Time is virtually suspended" means that the passage of time is perceived as being extremely slow or almost non-existent. It suggests a state where the normal progression of time is significantly reduced or halted.