virtually as

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtually as" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is almost equivalent to or similar to something else, but not quite identical. Example: "The new software performs virtually as well as the previous version, with only minor differences in speed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

For three decades California commodities could move more cheaply, and virtually as quickly, by sea.

The New York Times

Don't laugh: the Golf R is quicker than the 128i, and handles virtually as well.

The New York Times

It renders the cabin virtually as quiet as any conventional hardtop.

The New York Times

The impulse to frame the passing moment is virtually as old as art itself.

The New York Times - Magazine

Use of two one-point calibrations per day before meals was virtually as accurate as three one-point calibrations.

Biosensors and Bioelectronics

India's have-nots are treated virtually as are-nots.Mr Sen used his tour to protest politely and to prescribe.

The Economist

It also sits much higher, virtually as high as a full-blown SUV, which can't help but affect cornering.

Independent

Whatever its shortcomings, the opera is treated with uncommon respect by presenting the 1869 text virtually as Verdi left it.

The New York Times - Arts

Today everything comes to an end virtually as soon as it begins, and vanishes almost as soon as it appears.

The New Yorker

Outside London, where the concentration of space makes it optional, a family car is virtually as important as a home.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

However, tubewells located on the Pleistocene Older Alluvium upland surfaces in Faizabad, Ayodhya, and Nawabganj towns are virtually As-safe in groundwater.

Applied Water Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "virtually as" to show near equivalence while acknowledging slight differences, adding nuance to comparisons.

Common error

Avoid using "virtually as" when there are significant differences between the items being compared; instead, opt for phrases that indicate weaker similarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtually as" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying an adjective or another adverb. It serves to qualify the degree of similarity between two things, actions, or states. Ludwig AI examples show the phrase linking two comparable attributes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "virtually as" is a versatile phrase used to indicate near equivalence or a high degree of similarity. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, from news and media to scientific writing. While it's essential to avoid overstating equivalence, mastering the use of "virtually as" enhances writing precision by providing nuanced comparisons. Alternatives like "almost as" and "nearly as" can offer similar meanings while adjusting the degree of similarity implied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost as

Indicates something is very close to being equal, but not completely.

nearly as

Suggests a close approximation or similarity, differing slightly in degree.

practically as

Emphasizes the functional equivalence despite potential minor differences.

just about as

Highlights the closeness in comparison, implying only a slight variance.

much the same as

Implies a strong similarity, focusing on the lack of significant difference.

tantamount to

Indicates that something is essentially equivalent in effect or value.

equal to

Denotes a precise equivalence, though "virtually as" often implies less precision.

comparable to

Highlights similarities, but allows for some differences between the compared items.

akin to

Suggests a resemblance or similarity in nature or quality.

in effect as

Focuses on the practical outcome being very similar, despite potential differences in process.

FAQs

What does "virtually as" mean?

The phrase "virtually as" means almost or nearly the same as. It indicates a high degree of similarity, though not perfect equivalence.

What can I say instead of "virtually as"?

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

Is it correct to say "virtually as good as"?

Yes, "virtually as good as" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate that something is almost as good as something else.

What's the difference between "virtually as" and "exactly as"?

"Virtually as" implies a close approximation, whereas "exactly as" indicates precise equivalence. Use "virtually as" when something is very similar but not identical.