virtually anyone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtually anyone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that a statement applies to almost all people, with very few exceptions. Example: "The new policy is designed to benefit virtually anyone who uses our services."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Virtually anyone can claim themselves to be an arbitrator.

Cornell University

In those days, virtually anyone could build and run a mosque.

The Economist

You have to know more stuff than virtually anyone on earth.

The New Yorker

King's license requirement would apply to virtually anyone wearing both a costume and a mask.

The New Yorker

Additionally, there is no current regulation of these devices, and this allows virtually anyone with a form of online payment to obtain them.

The American Journal of Medicine

Mr. Haider has said he is willing to negotiate a coalition government with virtually anyone.

The New York Times

Individual buyers can resell guns to virtually anyone with few restrictions.

The Washington Post

Wireless security systems that can be installed by virtually anyone were introduced about a decade ago.

The New York Times

The agency can still collect data from virtually anyone, but collecting from everyone will be harder.

The Washington Post

On it he interviewed prime ministers, US presidents and virtually anyone who mattered in Britain.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

In practice, however, virtually anyone who wants to go can figure out a way to qualify for an exemption.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "virtually anyone" to convey a sense of broad inclusivity, acknowledging that there may be very few exceptions. This can add emphasis to the scope of a statement.

Common error

Avoid using "virtually anyone" when the statement genuinely applies to absolutely everyone. Using a more general term like "everyone" might be more appropriate to prevent the false impression of potential exceptions where none exist.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtually anyone" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a broad, near-universal scope. It specifies that the statement applies to nearly all individuals within a given context, as evidenced by the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

20%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "virtually anyone" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase that indicates near-universal applicability. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across various contexts. While highly versatile, it's important to use it judiciously, ensuring it accurately reflects the intended level of inclusivity and avoid overstating the scope. Alternatives like "almost anyone" or "nearly everyone" may be more appropriate in certain situations. With a neutral register and frequent appearance in news and academic sources, "virtually anyone" remains a valuable tool for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost everyone

Emphasizes near-complete inclusion but not absolute certainty.

nearly everyone

Similar to 'almost everyone', implying a slight possibility of exclusion.

practically everyone

Highlights the practical reality of inclusion, with minimal exceptions.

basically everyone

Suggests a fundamental level of inclusion, focusing on essential aspects.

essentially everyone

Focuses on the core or essential characteristic of being included.

just about everyone

Indicates a casual and approximate sense of universal inclusion.

more or less everyone

Implies a general inclusion with minor variations or exceptions.

the vast majority

Shifts the focus from individuals to a collective majority that is very large.

a great many people

Emphasizes the large quantity of people included, rather than universality.

most people

Indicates a majority but does not necessarily imply near-total inclusion.

FAQs

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

Use "virtually anyone" to suggest that something applies to almost every person, with only a few exceptions. For example, "Virtually anyone can learn basic coding skills with online resources."

What's the difference between "virtually anyone" and "literally anyone"?

"Virtually anyone" implies almost everyone, with very few exceptions. "Literally anyone" suggests absolutely everyone, without exception. Using "literally anyone" when you mean "virtually anyone" can be an overstatement.

Are there alternatives to using "virtually anyone"?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "almost anyone", "nearly everyone", or "practically everyone". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "virtually anyone" in formal writing?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and acceptable in formal writing, as it clearly conveys a meaning of near-universal inclusion. According to Ludwig, the usage of "virtually anyone" is correct.