virtually any

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtually any" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something applies to almost all items or cases within a certain category, with very few exceptions. Example: "You can find this product in virtually any store that sells electronics."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Epstein-Barr can infect virtually any system of the body.

The New York Times

He will be barred from communicating with virtually any outsiders.

The New York Times

This plan guaranteed success against virtually any distribution.

The New York Times - Arts

Black girls didn't control our hair in virtually any way.

The New York Times - Books

We had email before virtually any corporate offices had email.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Hugh Laurie thinks better than virtually any actor alive.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Banks seem to lend money under virtually any circumstances.

The New York Times

"The Blunt amendment would allow any employer or insurer to deny coverage for virtually any treatment for virtually any reason," Mr. Reid said.

The New York Times

Mr. Reid denounced the proposal, saying it "would allow any employer anywhere in our country to deny coverage for virtually any health service for virtually any reason".

The New York Times

But we'll support virtually any occupation.

TechCrunch

Data availability is important for virtually any purpose in hydrology.

Journal of Hydrology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "virtually any" to indicate a situation or rule that applies in almost all cases, but be mindful of possible exceptions. This phrase is effective when you want to convey a sense of broad applicability without claiming absolute universality.

Common error

Avoid using "virtually any" when there are significant exceptions. If the exceptions are frequent or substantial, consider using a more conservative phrase like "many" or "most" to maintain accuracy and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtually any" functions as a determiner phrase that modifies a noun to indicate near-universality or broad applicability. As evidenced by Ludwig, it qualifies the extent to which something is true or possible, suggesting few exceptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

41%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "virtually any" is a versatile and widely used expression that indicates near-universality. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and acceptability in diverse contexts. It functions as a determiner phrase, generalizing statements while acknowledging possible exceptions. With a neutral register and frequent usage in both scientific and news media, "virtually any" is a valuable tool for expressing broad applicability. When using this phrase, remember to ensure that the exceptions are minimal to maintain accuracy. Alternatives like "almost any" and "practically any" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost any

Emphasizes the closeness to universality, implying very few exceptions.

practically any

Highlights the feasibility and practicality of the statement across various instances.

nearly any

Focuses on the minimal deviation from complete universality.

just about any

Suggests a casual and broad inclusivity, suitable for informal contexts.

essentially any

Highlights that for all practical purposes, the statement holds true.

in effect any

Implies that while not strictly true in every case, the outcome is the same as if it were.

for all intents and purposes any

Stresses the practical equivalence to universality, even if technically not so.

by and large any

Indicates a general trend or rule with the understanding that there may be exceptions.

more or less any

Suggests an approximation where minor differences don't significantly alter the overall picture.

to all practical purposes any

Emphasizes the reality of a situation despite potential technicalities.

FAQs

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

Use "virtually any" to suggest something applies to almost everything within a given category. For example, "You can find that information on "almost any" search engine."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "virtually any"?

Alternatives include "almost any", "practically any", and "nearly any". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "virtually any" and "almost any"?

While similar, "virtually any" may suggest a slightly stronger degree of inclusivity than "almost any". However, in most contexts, they are interchangeable.

Can "virtually any" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "virtually any" is suitable for formal writing. It appears in academic, scientific, and news publications, indicating its acceptance in professional contexts.