virtually every person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtually every person" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that almost all individuals are included in a statement or observation, with a slight allowance for exceptions. Example: "In the survey, virtually every person reported feeling more productive when working from home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

"Skin cancer is deeply personal, and virtually every person on the planet has either known someone who has had cancer or had it themselves," Dr. Solomon said.

The New York Times - Science

"Virtually every person I was seeing wanted to end their life," he said.

The Guardian

"Virtually every person who got a W.P.A. job in New Jersey was told he got it thanks to Frank Hague".

The New York Times

This is apt since virtually every person running for anything in Illinois seems to be mainly known as the child of somebody else.

The New York Times

On a recent Wednesday evening, virtually every person at "The Magic Flute" was white, a fact regretfully noted by the theatergoers themselves.

The New York Times

The Centres for Disease Control recently detected flame retardants in the blood or urine of virtually every person tested for the substances.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Thus parents can be automatically traced virtually for every person born in October 1953 or later.

British Journal of Cancer

Virtually every homeless person I encountered had a prison record.

The New York Times

Medicare also requires a small premium, which virtually every eligible person pays, for services other than hospital stays.

The Economist

It was a fairly typical exchange in this part of the world, where virtually every second person is a world-class athlete.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This program makes it possible for virtually every young person in the vocational track to learn a useful skill or trade, constantly adapted to the actual demands of the employment market.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "virtually every person", ensure the context supports the implication of near-universality. If the statement is an exaggeration, consider a less absolute phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "virtually every person" when the statement only applies to a significant portion, not nearly everyone. Using a phrase like "most people" might be more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtually every person" functions as a quantifier, specifying that an attribute or action applies to nearly all individuals within a given scope. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is valid and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

37%

Formal & Business

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "virtually every person" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something applies to almost everyone. According to Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and formal communications. While alternatives like "almost everyone" or "nearly everyone" exist, "virtually every person" provides a specific nuance emphasizing a near-universal scope. It's crucial to use this phrase accurately, ensuring the context truly implies that the statement applies to the vast majority of people, with minimal exceptions. Overall, this phrase offers a robust way to highlight the widespread nature of a condition, experience, or characteristic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost everyone

Replaces "virtually" with "almost", suggesting a slightly less emphatic inclusion.

nearly everyone

Similar to "almost everyone", indicating a very high proportion but not absolute universality.

practically everyone

Uses "practically" to convey that for all practical purposes, everyone is included.

the vast majority of people

Shifts from individual focus to a collective, emphasizing that most people are included.

almost all individuals

Replaces "person" with "individuals", adding a touch of formality.

the great majority of persons

A more formal and emphatic version of "the vast majority of people".

just about everybody

A more colloquial alternative, suitable for informal contexts.

in effect, everyone

Highlights that the outcome or effect is as if everyone is included.

with few exceptions, everyone

Explicitly acknowledges that there may be exceptions but they are minimal.

for all intents and purposes, everyone

Similar to "in effect, everyone" but more emphatic and formal.

FAQs

What does "virtually every person" mean?

It means almost everyone, or nearly everyone. The word "virtually" suggests that even if not absolutely every single individual is included, the statement is true for the overwhelming majority.

Is it okay to use "virtually every person" in formal writing?

Yes, the phrase is acceptable in formal writing. However, depending on the context, a more formal alternative like "the vast majority of people" may be more appropriate.

What are some alternatives to "virtually every person"?

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

When should I avoid using the phrase "virtually every person"?

Avoid using it when the statement is not applicable to a very high percentage of people. If there are significant exceptions, a less inclusive phrase such as "most people" or "many people" would be more accurate.