virtually all countries

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtually all countries" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that almost every country is included in a statement or observation, with a slight allowance for exceptions. Example: "The new environmental policy has been adopted by virtually all countries around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

The Celsius (°C) temperature scale is standard in virtually all countries that have adopted the metric system of measurement, and it is widely used in the sciences.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Endemic (local) centres of infection occur in virtually all countries, but widespread infections occur in the Far East, Africa, and tropical America.

Encyclopedia Britannica

European officials say the number is about 100 million tons, but virtually all countries agree that the glut of unwanted steel is huge.

The New York Times

Or to put it another way, they want the government to give greater priority to affirming Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to which virtually all countries in the world have notionally signed up.

The Economist

When earlier reports of a chlorine attack were aired, they were played down by American officials; chlorine gas is not banned under the chemical-weapons convention which virtually all countries have signed, and thus represented a lesser transgression.

The Economist

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) was among the first rich-world central banks to start raising interest rates after virtually all countries had slashed them during the crisis.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

These include virtually all the countries of Latin America and Eastern Europe, most of Asia and the former Soviet Union and at least 10 countries in sub-Saharan Africa.

The New York Times - Magazine

What virtually all these countries have in common are low-fat diets rich in fish, lean protein, vegetables, fruits and beans.

Forbes

Virtually all the country's banks, insurance companies, and building societies have their head offices in the city.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Virtually all the country's savings are channeled through state-controlled banks that lend on the basis of political connections, not economic merit.

The New York Times

If there's one belief that unites virtually all the country, it's opposition to further privatisation of the NHS, let alone extending it by marketising the public's trusted relationship with GPs.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "virtually all countries" to indicate a widespread trend or phenomenon, acknowledging the possibility of a few exceptions. This conveys accuracy and avoids overstatement.

Common error

Avoid using "virtually all countries" when the evidence only supports 'many countries' or 'most countries'. Ensure your claim is proportionate to the available data to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtually all countries" functions as a quantifier, specifying the extent to which a particular condition or action applies across different nations. Ludwig examples show it modifies statements about global trends, agreements, or problems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "virtually all countries" is a versatile quantifier used to indicate near-universal prevalence across nations. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use in various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Scientific publications. While alternatives like "almost every nation" or "nearly all countries" exist, the choice depends on the desired nuance and formality. It's crucial to ensure the claim of near-universality is supported by evidence, avoiding overgeneralization. The Ludwig examples highlight the importance of accurate data representation to ensure credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost every nation

Emphasizes near-total inclusion, similar to "virtually all".

nearly all countries

Indicates a very high percentage, closely aligned in meaning.

practically all countries

Suggests the effect is the same as if all were included.

in almost all countries

Focuses on the presence of something across nearly all nations.

the vast majority of countries

Highlights that a large majority is involved.

most countries

A more general term for a large proportion of countries.

an overwhelming number of countries

Stresses the large quantity of countries included.

a majority of nations

Indicates more than half, but not necessarily close to all.

the great bulk of countries

Implies that most of countries are included.

by and large, all countries

Acknowledges minor exceptions, but emphasizes overall inclusion.

FAQs

What does "virtually all countries" mean?

The phrase "virtually all countries" means almost all countries, acknowledging that there might be a few exceptions. It's used to express a near-universal condition or agreement.

Is it better to say "virtually all countries" or "almost all countries"?

Both "virtually all countries" and "almost all countries" are acceptable. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis, with "virtually" adding a slightly more formal tone.

When should I use "most countries" instead of "virtually all countries"?

Use "most countries" when you want to indicate a majority, but not necessarily a near-universal prevalence. "Virtually all countries" implies a higher degree of inclusion.

What are some alternatives to "virtually all countries"?

Alternatives include "nearly all countries", "the vast majority of countries", or "practically all countries". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.