virtually non-existent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'virtually non-existent' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to express very small or insignificant amounts of something. For example, "The number of students who failed the exam was virtually non-existent".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Randomized controlled trials are virtually non-existent in lung cancer surgery, but large, comprehensive, and well kept databases exist.

British Medical Journal

Wine was virtually non-existent.

Independent

Monitoring was virtually non-existent.

The Guardian

Dialogue here is virtually non-existent.

Independent

Unfortunately, 4K content is virtually non-existent.

The Economist

Its navy is virtually non-existent.

The Economist

The defending was virtually non-existent.

The Guardian - Sport

Also, property taxes are "virtually non-existent," Mr. Carl said.

The New York Times

Its media profile had become virtually non-existent.

The Guardian

Indeed, it was virtually non-existent in many schools.

The Guardian

But progress at the summit itself was virtually non-existent.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "virtually non-existent" to describe situations where something is so rare or minimal that it has almost no impact or effect. For example, "The risk of complications is virtually non-existent with this new procedure."

Common error

While "virtually non-existent" is widely accepted, in very formal writing, consider using a more precise and quantitative description to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "funding was virtually non-existent", specify "funding was reduced by 95%".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtually non-existent" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it is almost entirely lacking or absent. Ludwig AI indicates that this usage is grammatically correct and well-supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "virtually non-existent" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe something that is almost entirely absent. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and commonly used across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science, indicating its broad applicability. While it is generally acceptable for formal writing, consider using more precise language when possible to avoid any ambiguity. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively incorporate "virtually non-existent" into your writing to emphasize the insignificance or lack of something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost absent

This alternative uses simpler vocabulary to convey the idea of something being nearly non-existent.

practically absent

This phrase substitutes "virtually" with "practically" maintaining the meaning.

tantamount to non-existence

This more formal alternative emphasizes the equivalence to not existing.

effectively absent

This alternative emphasizes the result or effect of something not being present.

nigh nonexistent

The word "nigh" gives an archaic, emphatic tone, nearly nonexistent.

scarcely present

This option uses "scarcely" to indicate a very small presence, close to non-existence.

next to nothing

This more informal expression is useful in casual contexts to mean almost nothing exists.

barely there

This phrase conveys that something exists but is so minimal as to be almost unnoticeable.

in short supply

This highlights the lack of abundance, implying near non-existence in practical terms.

as good as gone

This phrase implies that something has almost ceased to exist or function.

FAQs

How can I use "virtually non-existent" in a sentence?

You can use "virtually non-existent" to describe something that is almost completely absent or has a negligible effect. For example, "After the reforms, corruption became "virtually non-existent"".

What phrases are similar to "virtually non-existent"?

Alternatives to "virtually non-existent" include phrases such as "almost absent", "practically absent", or "effectively absent".

Is it appropriate to use "virtually non-existent" in formal writing?

Yes, "virtually non-existent" is generally appropriate, but in very formal or technical contexts, consider using a more precise and quantifiable term if possible to avoid any potential ambiguity.

What's the difference between "virtually non-existent" and "completely non-existent"?

"Virtually non-existent" means something is almost entirely absent, while "completely non-existent" means it does not exist at all. "Virtually non-existent" implies a very small presence or possibility, whereas "completely non-existent" leaves no room for any presence.