virtually nobody

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtually nobody" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that almost no one is included in a particular situation or group. Example: "When the event was announced, virtually nobody showed up, leaving the organizers disappointed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Virtually nobody believed her.

The Guardian - Music

Nobody — or virtually nobody — did.

The New Yorker

"I knew virtually nobody at the paper and virtually nobody in town," he said.

The New Yorker

But for other reasons, too, virtually nobody wants armed conflict.

The New York Times

Virtually nobody else has made an issue of the senator's Catholicism.

The Economist

And meanwhile, Sweet has virtually nobody to turn to for support.

The New York Times - Books

He also likes the fact that virtually nobody else is making films in Nebraska.

The New Yorker

And where I live, hardly anybody takes their kids hunting — virtually nobody.

The New York Times - Sports

The problem, as Mr. Cuomo discovered rather belatedly, is that virtually nobody manufactures seven-round magazines.

The New York Times

Virtually nobody seemed to think this was all that great a plan.

The New York Times

"There is going to be virtually nobody available to help them," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "virtually nobody" to emphasize that almost no one is involved or affected by a situation, conveying a strong sense of near-absence.

Common error

Avoid using "virtually nobody" when a significant minority is actually present; ensure the context genuinely reflects a near-complete absence to maintain accuracy and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtually nobody" functions as a determiner phrase quantifying a noun (often implied) to indicate a near-zero quantity of people. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "virtually nobody" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a near-complete absence of people. Ludwig's analysis, drawing from a wide range of reliable sources, confirms its widespread usage across different contexts, particularly in News & Media. While often interchangeable with alternatives like "almost no one" or "hardly anyone", "virtually nobody" carries a slightly stronger emphasis. As a practical tip, ensure the context genuinely reflects a near-complete absence when using this phrase to maintain accuracy. Ludwig also identifies its function as a determiner phrase and its neutral register, making it versatile for various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost nobody

A direct synonym, substituting "virtually" with "almost" maintaining a similar emphasis.

almost no one

Substitutes "virtually" with "almost", slightly reducing the emphasis on the near-complete absence.

just about nobody

Adds a colloquial tone by using "just about" emphasizing near absence.

hardly anyone

Replaces "virtually nobody" with a phrase implying a very small number of people.

next to nobody

Implies a quantity so small it's almost nonexistent using the phrase "next to".

practically no one

Uses "practically" instead of "virtually", suggesting a focus on practical reality.

essentially no one

Uses "essentially" to highlight the fundamental absence of people.

scarcely anyone

Emphasizes the rarity of people included, using "scarcely".

barely anyone

Emphasizes the minimal presence of people, using "barely".

very few people

Replaces "nobody" with "very few people", making the phrase more explicit and less emphatic.

FAQs

How can I use "virtually nobody" in a sentence?

You can use "virtually nobody" to emphasize the near absence of people in a specific situation. For example, "Virtually nobody attended the meeting because of the holiday".

What's a more formal alternative to "virtually nobody"?

A more formal alternative to "virtually nobody" could be "practically no one" or "very few people", depending on the desired level of emphasis.

Is there a difference between "almost nobody" and "virtually nobody"?

While "almost nobody" and "virtually nobody" are very similar, "virtually nobody" might suggest a slightly stronger emphasis on the near-complete absence. They are often interchangeable, though.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "virtually nobody"?

Avoid using "virtually nobody" if there's a notable number of people involved, as it could be misleading. Use it only when the number is genuinely negligible.