virtually everything

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtually everything" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that almost all things or items are included, with a slight allowance for exceptions. Example: "In this course, we will cover virtually everything you need to know about digital marketing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Updike saved virtually everything.

The New Yorker

Virtually everything was for babies.

The New York Times

There's risk in virtually everything you do.

The New York Times - Sports

He'd lost virtually everything — "Millions," he said.

The New Yorker

Virtually everything is sold before it's built".

The New York Times

She does virtually everything except scout players.

The New York Times - Sports

But virtually everything else is different.

The New York Times

He'd lost virtually everything—"Millions," he said.

The New Yorker

It's a citizen against virtually everything".

The New York Times

I now agree with virtually everything Adam said and disagree with virtually everything I said.

The New York Times - Tech

Virtually everything I buy has to be shortened.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "virtually everything" to indicate that almost all items or aspects are included, but acknowledge that minor exceptions may exist. It adds a nuance of near-completeness without claiming absolute totality.

Common error

Avoid using "virtually everything" when significant exceptions exist. Using "almost everything" might be more accurate if the omissions are noteworthy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtually everything" functions as a determiner phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a quantity that is close to all-inclusive. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a widely accepted and frequently used phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "virtually everything" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate near-total inclusion. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. While similar to phrases like "almost everything", it carries a specific nuance, suggesting something is true in effect if not in absolute reality. This phrase is suitable for various contexts, especially News & Media, and serves the purpose of conveying comprehensiveness without claiming complete totality. Remember to use it judiciously, ensuring that the context allows for the minor exceptions the phrase implies.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost everything

This alternative is a more direct and commonly used synonym, implying a slight degree less of completeness.

practically everything

This alternative suggests that something is true in effect if not in reality, similar to "virtually".

nearly everything

This option emphasizes the approximation to completeness, differing slightly in tone.

essentially everything

This alternative focuses on the fundamental or core aspects being included.

basically everything

This option implies that the main or important parts are included, with less emphasis on minor details.

just about everything

This is a more informal way of saying "virtually everything", suitable for casual contexts.

close to everything

This phrase highlights the proximity to total inclusion, suggesting a small margin of exclusion.

more or less everything

This alternative acknowledges a small degree of imprecision or approximation.

the majority of things

This option shifts the focus to the number of items included rather than the degree of completeness.

a good deal of everything

This alternative is less common but conveys a substantial portion being included.

FAQs

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

Use "virtually everything" to indicate that almost all items or aspects are included, with the understanding that there might be minor exceptions. For example, "Virtually everything in the store was on sale" suggests a comprehensive sale, but perhaps some items were excluded.

What's the difference between "virtually everything" and "almost everything"?

"Virtually everything" and "almost everything" are very similar. "Virtually" suggests something is true in effect if not in reality, while "almost" indicates a high degree of completeness. The choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.

Are there contexts where "virtually everything" is not appropriate?

While generally acceptable, "virtually everything" might not be suitable in highly formal or technical contexts where absolute precision is required. In such cases, specifying the inclusions more precisely might be preferable.

What are some alternatives to "virtually everything"?

Alternatives include "practically everything", "nearly everything", or "essentially everything", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of near-total inclusion.