virtually accepted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtually accepted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is widely acknowledged or recognized, though not formally or officially. Example: "The new policy has been virtually accepted by all members of the committee, even if it hasn't been officially ratified yet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Eighty-five schools "virtually accepted" him, he said, but when he informed them of his disability, he got job interviews with just three and no job offers.

The New York Times

In Belgium, a country now irrigated by a constant stream of footballing prodigies, it is virtually accepted that he will one day inspire his country: he may play in a different position to Vincent Kompany but he radiates the same maturity and authority that the Manchester City and Belgium captain showed for Anderlecht at a similar age.

The Guardian - Sport

"He's not gonna move the needle left, particularly because what he's promoting is virtually accepted by every Democrat in the country.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The discussion focused on the analogies between religious experience and sensory experience in relation to which the principle of credulity is virtually universally accepted.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Just as Welles threw out the cinematic rulebook with his direction, Herrmann (or Benny, as he was known), likewise ditched virtually every accepted scoring practice.

The Guardian - Film

This theory finds its best application in the field of organic chemistry, thus there exists a virtually universally accepted way for representing the chemical connectivity of organic compounds.

Journal of Cheminformatics

In relationships, affairs are virtually an accepted norm.

Huffington Post

(While each individual economist appears to know everything with certainty, as a group, they are surprisingly unsure of the impact of taxes on a nation's well-being. However, most surveys of economists suggest that virtually none accept the simplistic notion that raising taxes on the rich will cripple an economy).

The New Yorker

Argentina could technically ask the Supreme Court to rehear its case, but that is unlikely given that the court virtually never accepts such requests.

The Economist

I would argue that virtually everyone accepts the Spider-Man Principle, at least implicitly, since all of us regard arbitrary uses of power that endanger or harm us as wrong or unjust -- that is, as abuses, violations of responsibilities to us that come with that power.

Huffington Post

NAFTA amounted to a 4% expansion of the American economy, to include a country that accepted virtually every demand placed upon it in the negotiations and which made virtually all the concessions.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "virtually accepted" to convey that an idea, standard, or practice has gained widespread but not necessarily official or unanimous approval. It's suitable when something is acknowledged in practice, even if formal endorsement is lacking.

Common error

Avoid using "virtually accepted" when a concept is still highly debated or controversial. This phrase implies a significant level of agreement, so ensure that most stakeholders genuinely accept the idea, even if reservations exist.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtually accepted" functions as a descriptor, indicating a state of near-universal agreement or endorsement. Ludwig AI shows this occurs even without formal or official sanction. This suggests a tacit or de facto acceptance.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "virtually accepted" is grammatically correct and widely used to express that something is broadly acknowledged or agreed upon, often without official sanction. According to Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys a sense of near-universal acceptance. While appropriate for various contexts, it's particularly common in news, scientific, and encyclopedic writing. When using this phrase, be mindful of overstating the level of agreement and ensure that the idea or standard has genuinely gained significant recognition. Alternatives such as "widely acknowledged" or "generally agreed upon" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Overall, "virtually accepted" is a valuable tool for communicating consensus, but like any phrase, it requires careful consideration of context and accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost universally accepted

Emphasizes near-complete acceptance, implying only minor dissent.

widely acknowledged

Focuses on recognition rather than formal acceptance.

generally agreed upon

Highlights consensus among a group.

largely recognized

Stresses the extent of recognition, suggesting broad awareness.

practically undisputed

Indicates that there is very little or no disagreement.

effectively approved

Implies that approval is in place despite not being formally stated.

tacitly understood

Highlights unspoken agreement or implied acceptance.

presumed to be true

Indicates acceptance based on assumption rather than direct evidence.

de facto standard

Emphasizes acceptance through widespread practice rather than formal regulation.

more or less accepted

Indicates a qualified acceptance with some reservations.

FAQs

What does "virtually accepted" mean?

The phrase "virtually accepted" means something is generally or widely agreed upon, often without official or formal endorsement. It suggests a near-universal consensus.

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

You can use "virtually accepted" to describe ideas, practices, or standards that have gained widespread but not official approval. For example: "The new guidelines are "virtually accepted" by all team members."

What are some alternatives to "virtually accepted"?

Alternatives to "virtually accepted" include "widely acknowledged", "generally agreed upon", or "largely recognized". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "virtually accepted" the same as "officially accepted"?

No, "virtually accepted" implies widespread agreement without formal approval, while "officially accepted" means the idea or standard has been formally endorsed by an authority.