virtually anybody

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtually anybody" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a statement applies to almost everyone, with very few exceptions. Example: "With the new technology, virtually anybody can learn to code, regardless of their background."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

Early on, the notion of virtual titles by virtually anybody captured the imagination of venture capitalists even though some top publishers scoffed that this highly democratic system would evolve into a vanity press profoundly flawed by the absence of professional vetting and high quality writing.

The New York Times

John understands this better than virtually anybody".

The New York Times

You can go online and watch virtually anybody".

The New York Times

"Virtually anybody can understand a well-designed chart," Goldsberry said.

The New York Times

For confirming that the Brits eavesdrop on virtually anybody they feel like?

The New Yorker

"They were marketed as safe, pure alternatives to C.D.'s, suitable for virtually anybody".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Also, Rove's pride in his knowledge of politics is so great that he has an evidently irresistible impulse to dispute, correct, or improve upon virtually anything anybody says on the subject, in a tone that's half rehearsed lecture, half teasing one-upmanship.

The New Yorker

We've only ever succeeded by ignoring virtually everything anybody ever said to us.

Huffington Post

"It was literally shut down within minutes and there was virtually nothing anybody could do about it," said Madera County sheriff's spokesoman Erica Stuart.

Los Angeles Times

"It was literally shut down within minutes and there was virtually nothing anybody could do about it," said Madera County sheriff's spokesman Erica Stuart.

Los Angeles Times

But Ciudad Juárez belongs in its own category, with thousands killed each year, the exodus of tens of thousands of residents, the spectacle of the biggest national holiday last week observed in a square virtually devoid of anybody but the police and soldiers, and the ever-present fear of random death.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the context. In formal writing, "almost anyone" or "practically everyone" might be preferred. In informal contexts, "just about anyone" is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "virtually anybody" if there are significant exceptions. If a substantial portion of the population is excluded, a more precise quantifier is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtually anybody" functions as a quantifier, specifying the scope or applicability of a statement. It indicates that a certain action, ability, or condition applies to almost everyone. According to Ludwig AI, it is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

4%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "virtually anybody" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate that something applies to almost everyone. It is versatile enough for various contexts, although alternatives like "almost anyone" may be preferred in formal writing. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and provides numerous examples of its usage. When using "virtually anybody", ensure that the context supports the broad generalization and that there aren't significant exceptions to the statement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost anyone

Emphasizes near-total inclusion, differing slightly in formality.

practically everyone

Focuses on the practical reality of inclusion, implying very few exclusions.

nearly everyone

Highlights the proximity to complete inclusion.

just about everyone

An informal way to express almost complete inclusion.

essentially everyone

Stresses the fundamental inclusion, with minor exceptions being irrelevant.

in effect everyone

Highlights the practical outcome of inclusion, despite potential exceptions.

for all intents and purposes everyone

A formal expression indicating inclusion in all relevant aspects.

more or less everyone

Acknowledges slight deviations but emphasizes overall inclusion.

the vast majority

Focuses on the large proportion included, rather than individual exceptions.

the great majority

Emphasizes the significant number of individuals included.

FAQs

What does "virtually anybody" mean?

The phrase "virtually anybody" means almost everyone; it implies that something is applicable to almost all people, with very few exceptions.

What can I say instead of "virtually anybody"?

You can use alternatives like "almost anyone", "practically everyone", or "nearly everyone" depending on the context.

Is "virtually anybody" formal or informal?

"Virtually anybody" is suitable for most contexts, but "almost anyone" may be more appropriate in formal writing. "Just about anyone" is more informal.

How do I use "virtually anybody" in a sentence?

Use "virtually anybody" to indicate a broad scope. For example, "With the right tools, virtually anybody can learn to code."