virtually a given

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtually a given" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is almost certain or widely accepted as true without needing further proof. Example: "In this industry, a strong work ethic is virtually a given for success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

But survival is virtually a given.

The New York Times

"It's a change that was virtually a given from the very beginning".

The New York Times

There are tens of thousands of women doing decades for nonviolent offenses, and the abuse they suffer behind bars is virtually a given.

The New York Times - Books

That Steven Spielberg would make "The Adventures of Tintin" in 3-D is virtually a given; that he would make "Lincoln" in the same process is unthinkable.

The New York Times

To the Mets, it is virtually a given that Ventura will be a better hitter, now that he is 15 months removed from surgery on his right shoulder.

The New York Times - Sports

With the media under the sway of the state, dissenting voices are muffled, and Mr. Putin's re-election in March 2004 is virtually a given.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Of late, Mophie seems to be intent on letting the world know that it's more than just charging cases – but hey, at the end of the day, there are worse things to be than virtually synonymous with a given space.

TechCrunch

We conclude that in adults, LTL is virtually anchored to a given rank with the passage of time.

Aging Cell

Our findings indicate that the individual's LTL is virtually anchored to a given LTL rank as he/she moves across the adult life course.

Aging Cell

Participants were presented with eight common positive events (e.g., "I hugged someone") and eight negative ones (e.g., "I had an argument with someone") that can be experienced by virtually anyone on a given day in different cultures.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Therefore, pea plants that exhibited contrasting architectures (stemming from the different cultivars and stages of development) were virtually mixed with a given wheat architecture in order to compare their efficiency for light interception in relation to their architectural features.

AoB PLANTS

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "virtually a given", ensure the context supports a high degree of certainty. While it doesn't imply absolute guarantee, it suggests the outcome is very likely.

Common error

Avoid using "virtually a given" when the outcome is merely possible or speculative. This phrase implies a high probability, so reserve it for situations where the likelihood is substantial and supported by evidence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtually a given" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun, indicating a high degree of certainty or inevitability. It suggests that something is so probable that it can be treated as a fact. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "virtually a given" is a phrase used to express a high degree of certainty about an event or outcome. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and correctly implies that something is almost guaranteed. While it is not absolute, it indicates a strong likelihood supported by available evidence. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, followed by Science and Encyclopedias. When using "virtually a given", make sure that your usage is appropriate and the context backs your degree of certainty. Alternatives such as "practically certain" or "almost guaranteed" may be useful depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

practically certain

Emphasizes the high degree of likelihood, almost to the point of certainty.

almost guaranteed

Highlights the near-infallibility of the outcome; failure is exceedingly improbable.

essentially assured

Conveys a strong sense of security and confidence in the expected result.

nearly inevitable

Focuses on the difficulty or impossibility of preventing the occurrence.

tantamount to certain

Indicates that the situation or outcome is equivalent in effect to being certain.

as good as certain

An idiomatic expression indicating high probability, leaving little room for doubt.

all but certain

Similar to 'as good as certain', but with a slightly more informal tone.

highly probable

A more formal alternative emphasizing a high degree of likelihood.

for all practical purposes, certain

Highlights that although not absolutely guaranteed, the outcome can be treated as such.

in all likelihood

Expresses a strong belief that something will happen, though without absolute certainty.

FAQs

How can I use "virtually a given" in a sentence?

Use "virtually a given" to indicate something is almost certain or widely accepted. Example: "In the current market conditions, increased competition is "virtually a given"."

What are some alternatives to "virtually a given"?

You can use alternatives like "practically certain", "almost guaranteed", or "essentially assured" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "virtually a certainty" instead of "virtually a given"?

While "virtually a certainty" is grammatically correct, "virtually a given" is a more common and idiomatic expression. They both convey a similar meaning of high probability, but choosing "virtually a given" often sounds more natural.

What is the difference between "almost a given" and "virtually a given"?

"Almost a given" and "virtually a given" are quite similar in meaning. "Virtually a given" might suggest a slightly higher degree of certainty compared to "almost a given", but the difference is subtle. Both phrases imply a strong likelihood.