to be almost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be almost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is very close to a certain state or condition, but not quite there. Example: "She was to be almost finished with her project by the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"So precise as to be almost poetic".

The New York Times

He appeared afterward to be almost buzzing.

The New York Times - Sports

That's got to be almost right away".

The New Yorker

It dared to be almost… European.

The New Yorker

"It has to be almost yellow".

The Guardian - Money

Shoes need to be almost unnoticeable.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So useless as to be almost pointless.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

MM: Enthusiasm seems to be almost universal.

The Guardian

But the rankings proved to be almost useless.

The New Yorker

I knew I had to be almost perfect to win".

The New York Times - Sports

I wanted this piece to be almost out of time".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms like "nearly" or "practically" if they better suit the tone and flow of your writing. These alternatives can sometimes provide a more nuanced meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "to be almost" when the actual state is significantly different from what is implied. Overstating the proximity can mislead the reader and weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be almost" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically used to modify a verb or adjective. It indicates a state of nearing completion or resemblance, without fully reaching it. Ludwig examples confirm its use in describing approximations or states of near-being.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be almost" is a versatile and frequently used infinitive phrase that adds nuance to writing by indicating approximation. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and common across various contexts, particularly in news, media and scientific writing. While synonyms like "nearly" or "practically" exist, understanding the subtle differences can enhance precision. Remember to avoid overstating the degree of closeness and choose the most appropriate alternative for clarity. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "to be almost" to communicate nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be nearly

Replaces "almost" with "nearly", maintaining the same meaning of approaching a certain state.

to be practically

Substitutes "almost" with "practically", indicating a state that is virtually the same.

to be virtually

Replaces "almost" with "virtually", suggesting a state that is so close it's as good as the real thing.

to be close to

Uses a different structure to convey the idea of being in proximity to a specific state or condition.

to be on the verge of

Indicates that something is about to happen or reach a certain state.

to be approaching

Emphasizes the act of getting closer to a certain state or condition.

to be bordering on

Suggests that something is just shy of crossing over into a particular state.

to be verging on

Similar to "bordering on", indicating that something is nearing a state, often with a slightly negative connotation.

to be tantamout to

Uses a different structure to convey the idea of being in proximity to a specific state or condition.

to come close to

Uses a different structure to convey the idea of being in proximity to a specific state or condition, like avoiding something negative.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "to be almost"?

You can use alternatives such as "to be nearly", "to be practically", or "to be close to" depending on the context.

How can I use "to be almost" in a sentence?

Use "to be almost" to indicate that something is very close to a particular state or condition, but not quite there. For example, "The project is to be almost finished by next week".

Is it better to say "to be almost complete" or "to be nearly complete"?

Both "to be almost complete" and "to be nearly complete" are correct. The choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance. "Nearly" might be slightly more formal.

What's the difference between "to be almost" and "to be exactly"?

"To be almost" indicates approximation or near completion, while "to be exactly" signifies precision and accuracy. They are antonyms and used in contrasting situations.