virtually able to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtually able to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is almost or nearly capable of doing something, often in a context where full capability is not achieved. Example: "The new software is virtually able to process data in real-time, making it much more efficient than its predecessor."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Eventually, as a result of bureaucratic centralization in France and the willingness of the government to commit funds to higher education in order to gain cultural prestige, the directorate of the Sixth Section was virtually able to supervise historical research in the country.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Recent findings have supported the impression that, although HIV is virtually able to infect any CD4+ T cell, there is a preference for the infection of activated lymphocytes [ 181].

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Cars will then be virtually autonomous, able to drive themselves without the motorist's intervention.

The Economist

The new models would virtually be able to "see, hear, and do" whatever you asked them to thanks to voice recognition and a front-facing camera.

TechCrunch

With virtually anybody able to alter, edit or otherwise contribute to the collaborative Web pages, it can be problematic to gauge the reliability and accuracy of such resources.

BMC Medical Education

In fact, these hands will virtually be able to think for themselves.

WikiHow

In your article, a deputy commissioner of the Transportation Department, Michael Primeggia, virtually brags about being able to find parking for his household's two cars every night on his block.

The New York Times

This work proposes the use of virtual simulation through reusing a game engine platform, in which the real environment may be virtually modeled and people are able to virtually navigate and interact among themselves, to support ergonomics evaluation in adequating control rooms for licensing of NPPs.

Progress in Nuclear Energy

In most parts of the world affluent women have virtually always been able to obtain safe abortions, performed by a skilled provider under hygienic circumstances, regardless of law codes or religious decrees.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Not only are they virtually invisible and able to sail through walls and planets like wind through a screen door, but they are shape-shifters.

The New York Times - Science

Those five years since Pierce won her second major have seen wholesale changes in the game, with virtually every newcomer able to hit the ball with the power that once singled out the French woman's game.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "virtually able to" when you want to convey that something is close to achieving a certain capability, but not quite there. This can add nuance, suggesting potential or near-complete functionality.

Common error

Avoid using "virtually able to" when the capability is fully realized. Use a stronger, more direct phrase to accurately reflect complete ability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtually able to" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of near-capability or potential. As Ludwig AI highlights, it suggests something is close to achieving a certain ability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "virtually able to" is a grammatically correct way to express near-capability, suggesting that something is close to possessing a particular skill or ability. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it's crucial to use it accurately, avoiding overstatements. This phrase is found in a variety of contexts, from news reports to scientific papers, and its meaning is generally consistent across these domains. Related phrases like "almost capable of" or "nearly able to" can be used as alternatives, offering slight shifts in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost capable of

Focuses on the capability aspect, highlighting the near fulfillment of a particular skill or action.

nearly in a position to

Emphasizes the state or condition of being close to achieving something.

practically competent to

Highlights competence in a real-world, functional sense.

effectively equipped to

Stresses the resources or tools available that enable near success.

tantamount to being able to

Indicates that the situation is equivalent in its effects to being fully capable.

as good as being able to

Emphasizes that the outcome is similar to having full ability.

approaching the capacity to

Highlights the gradual development towards full capability.

nearing the point of being able to

Indicates advancement to the stage of potential action or skill.

on the verge of being able to

Stresses the imminence of reaching a capable state.

close to being in a position to

Focuses on proximity to the necessary conditions for capability.

FAQs

How can I use "virtually able to" in a sentence?

Use "virtually able to" to describe something that is almost, but not quite, capable. For example, "The software is "virtually able to" process the data in real-time."

What phrases are similar to "virtually able to"?

Alternatives include "almost capable of", "nearly able to", or "practically competent to". Each has slightly different connotations, focusing on different aspects of near-capability.

Is "virtually able to" the same as "completely able to"?

No, "virtually able to" implies a near-complete capability, whereas "completely able to" indicates full capability. The former suggests potential or approximation, while the latter confirms achievement.

In what situations is "virtually able to" most appropriate?

"Virtually able to" is most appropriate when describing something that has nearly reached a state of complete capability but hasn't quite achieved it. It's useful in technical, scientific, or descriptive contexts where precision matters.