virtually instantaneous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtually instantaneous" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that happens almost immediately, with very little delay. Example: "The new software update allows for virtually instantaneous data processing, improving overall efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

After the telegraph, communication seemed magical, virtually instantaneous (hence the "lightning" of the title).

The New York Times - Books

In electronic encyclopaedias, cross-references are hyperlinked and provide virtually instantaneous movement throughout the database.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And, in fact, thanks to technological marvels, a system of virtually instantaneous global communications has been installed.

The New Yorker

This incontinent punning and rhyming and clanging was virtually instantaneous, occurring with a speed no normal person could match.

The New Yorker

My guess is that the advisers' ability to make virtually instantaneous modifications to their model portfolios can tempt them into self-destructive actions.

The New York Times

The digital computer works so fast that for navigational purposes it can be considered virtually instantaneous and can therefore provide continuous information for control purposes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

It was almost instantaneous.

The Guardian - Books

The action was almost instantaneous.

The New Yorker

The transformation was almost instantaneous.

The Guardian - Travel

The reaction was nearly instantaneous.

The New Yorker

His success was almost instantaneous.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technological capabilities or scientific measurements, use "virtually instantaneous" to emphasize the speed and efficiency of the process. For example: "The data transfer was "virtually instantaneous", allowing for real-time analysis."

Common error

Avoid using "virtually instantaneous" when describing processes that still involve a perceptible delay. It's best suited for situations where the delay is so minimal it's practically unnoticeable. For example, instead of saying 'The response was "virtually instantaneous"' if there's a brief loading time, consider 'The response was very quick'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtually instantaneous" primarily functions as an adverbial modifier describing the speed or timing of an event or action. It indicates that something happens almost immediately. Ludwig examples illustrate its descriptive role in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "virtually instantaneous" is a useful phrase for describing events that happen almost immediately. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage across various domains. It's commonly found in news, science, and encyclopedia sources, highlighting its suitability for both technical and general contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the speed of the event, avoiding exaggeration where a perceptible delay exists. Alternatives like "almost immediate" or "nearly instantaneous" can be considered for slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost immediate

This alternative replaces "virtually" with "almost", suggesting a slightly lesser degree of approximation but maintaining the sense of immediacy.

nearly instantaneous

Using "nearly" instead of "virtually" offers a comparable level of precision, emphasizing that the action is very close to being instantaneous.

practically instantaneous

Substituting "virtually" with "practically" highlights the real-world observation of the action's speed, implying it's instantaneous in effect.

essentially immediate

This phrase uses "essentially" and "immediate" to convey the core meaning of happening without delay.

almost without delay

This alternative rephrases the concept to focus on the lack of delay rather than the speed itself.

in next to no time

This idiom implies that something happens extremely quickly, emphasizing the brevity of the time involved.

with lightning speed

This alternative uses a more figurative expression to convey the idea of extreme speed, though it's less literal.

at the drop of a hat

An idiomatic phrase signifying immediacy, often implying readiness and quick action.

in a split second

This phrase highlights the very short time frame in which something occurs.

momentarily

This single-word alternative stresses that something happens in a very short space of time.

FAQs

What does "virtually" mean in the phrase "virtually instantaneous"?

In this context, "virtually" means 'almost' or 'nearly'. So, "virtually instantaneous" describes something that is almost completely instantaneous, with a negligible delay.

What are some synonyms for "virtually instantaneous"?

Alternatives include "almost immediate", "nearly instantaneous", and "practically instantaneous". These phrases all convey a similar meaning of something happening very quickly.

Is it appropriate to use "virtually instantaneous" in formal writing?

Yes, "virtually instantaneous" is appropriate for formal writing, especially in scientific, technical, or professional contexts where describing speed and efficiency is important. Ludwig examples confirms this.

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

You can use "virtually instantaneous" to describe processes or actions that happen extremely quickly. For instance: 'The software update provides "virtually instantaneous access" to the data'.