virtually being

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtually being" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of existence or condition that is almost or nearly true, often in a digital or abstract context. Example: "In the virtual world, users are virtually being represented by their avatars, which reflect their personalities and preferences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The study found that women's history and literature were virtually being ignored.

The New York Times

"Everything here since the intervention and the taking over of the shire, people have just been put away in these communities like here and are virtually being forgotten about," he said.

The Guardian

The so-called Smart car venture is virtually being taken over by Daimler-Benz, Mercedes's parent, which has just increased its stake in the operation from 51% to 81%.

The Economist

After virtually being called unpatriotic by President Bush for displeasing him, the Democrats finally felt it was safe to come out of hiding to defend themselves ("Daschle Defends Democrats' Stand on Security," front page, Sept. 26).

The New York Times

As well as being funny and having a good soundtrack and virtually being an advert by the Manhattan tourist board, When Harry... has a basic message that is hardly unrealistic: love doesn't necessarily strike instantly and, even once it has, it can take time and patience and a portion of heartache to get it off the ground.

The Guardian - Film

Fibers are long fine forms of matter with diameters of the order of 10 µm and lengths ranging from a few millimeters to virtually being continuous.

Reference Module in Materials Science and Materials Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Losing weight, virtually, is that simple.

The New York Times

The other will virtually be eliminated.

Huffington Post

HCN1 and HCN2 transcripts virtually were undetectable at embryonic stages.

Basic Research in Cardiology

HCN1 and HCN3 transcripts virtually were absent (Fig.  1c).

Basic Research in Cardiology

Virtually nothing is known about its function.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "virtually being", ensure the context clearly indicates an almost-but-not-quite state. It's most effective when emphasizing that something is functionally equivalent to, or on the cusp of, a specific condition.

Common error

Avoid using "virtually being" when you intend to express a complete or absolute state. Using "is" or "are" is more accurate if something is definitively in that state, without reservation. "Virtually" implies a slight deviation from the absolute.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtually being" functions as a modifier to a verb, indicating that an action or state is approaching or nearing reality without fully achieving it. As Ludwig indicates, this implies a state that is almost true.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "virtually being" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate a state that closely approximates reality. Ludwig AI analysis of various sources reveals that it's most commonly found in news and scientific contexts, and it carries a neutral register. Use it to soften claims and suggest near-equivalence without implying absolute certainty. Remember to avoid using "virtually being" when you mean something is absolutely true; use direct statements instead. As Ludwig confirms, the expression "virtually being" is acceptable and correct to use in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost existing

Emphasizes the state of nearing existence rather than an ongoing process.

nearly existing

Highlights proximity to existence, with slightly less emphasis on an active state.

effectively existing

Indicates a state of existence in practical terms, even if not in a strict sense.

practically existing

Similar to 'effectively', but focuses on the tangible aspect of near-existence.

tantamount to being

Suggests an equivalence in effect or outcome, rather than literal existence.

as good as being

A more colloquial expression emphasizing the similarity in outcome or effect.

approaching being

Focuses on the process of nearing existence, but lacks the sense of near-completion.

on the verge of being

Highlights the imminence of a state of existence.

akin to being

Emphasizes the similarity between the subject and a state of existence.

simulating existence

Focuses on the act of mimicking existence rather than actual, or near, existence.

FAQs

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

Use "virtually being" to describe a state that is nearly or almost true, but not completely so. For example, "The project is "virtually being" completed ahead of schedule" indicates it's very close to completion.

What phrases are similar to "virtually being"?

Alternatives include "almost existing", "nearly existing", or "effectively existing", depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to use "virtually" with a continuous verb form?

Yes, using "virtually" with a continuous verb form like "being" is grammatically correct when you want to express that an action or state is very close to happening or being true.

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

"Virtually being" means almost or nearly being in a certain state, while "literally being" implies actually being in that state. The former suggests approximation, the latter, reality.