virtually perceptible

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtually perceptible" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is almost, but not quite, able to be perceived or noticed. Example: "The changes in the artwork were virtually perceptible, requiring a keen eye to notice the subtle differences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Web videos, movies, and high-resolution photographs, are shown with smooth playback, accurate color reproduction, and with virtually no perceptible distortion.

TechCrunch

But that delicate line is most indelicately perceptible.

The New York Times

condition for registration that a sign be visually perceptible.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

GFAP staining in these animals was present in both hemispheres, though it was moderately increased on the lesioned side, whilst Ox42 staining was barely perceptible in most regions, except in the region where NeuN immunoreactivity was virtually absent.

Disease Markers

Each has for a title the name of a celebrated ancient or modern figure, mostly philosophers; virtually none of them have a perceptible relation to what follows.

The New York Times - Books

It was not perceptible.

The New York Times - Food

However, tension is perceptible.

The Guardian

There is no perceptible alternative.

The New York Times

That city is barely perceptible today.

The New Yorker

Some 58% had shown perceptible improvement.

The Economist

Undesired appearance: perceptible browning, dryness, wilting.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "virtually perceptible" when you want to emphasize that something is so subtle that it's almost unnoticeable. It's stronger than "barely noticeable" but softer than "clearly visible".

Common error

Avoid using "virtually perceptible" when describing something that is easily noticed. The phrase is intended for situations where the perception is at the very edge of detectability, not for describing commonplace observations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtually perceptible" functions as an adverb-adjective combination. "Virtually" modifies the adjective "perceptible", indicating a degree or extent to which something can be sensed or noticed. Based on Ludwig's analysis, it suggests something is close to being perceptible but not entirely so.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

33%

Science

34%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "virtually perceptible" is a useful phrase for describing something that is almost, but not quite, noticeable. It combines the adverb "virtually", meaning "nearly" or "almost", with the adjective "perceptible", meaning "able to be noticed". As highlighted by Ludwig, this phrase is considered grammatically correct and is primarily found in news, academia, and science contexts, indicating a neutral to formal register. It is best used to describe subtle changes or effects that require close attention to detect. While the phrase is grammatically sound, remember to avoid overstating the degree of perception and choose alternative phrases when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

barely detectable

Emphasizes the slightness of the detection, almost to the point of being undetectable.

almost imperceptible

Highlights the nearness to being completely unnoticeable.

nearly unnoticeable

Similar to almost imperceptible, highlighting the close proximity to being completely unnoticeable.

scarcely noticeable

Stresses the minimal level of noticeability.

hardly discernible

Focuses on the difficulty in distinguishing or perceiving the item.

faintly visible

Applies specifically to visual perception, indicating a weak visual presence.

marginally detectable

Implies detection is only possible under specific or sensitive conditions.

just about perceptible

Indicates the perception is at the very threshold of being noticeable.

subtly apparent

Indicates a delicate or understated form of being apparent.

shadow of perceptible

More figurative use of the phrase, focusing on the slight presence of something perceptible.

FAQs

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

You can use "virtually perceptible" to describe changes, differences, or effects that are so subtle they are almost undetectable. For example: "The changes in the artwork were "virtually perceptible", requiring a keen eye to notice the subtle differences."

What's a good alternative to "virtually perceptible"?

Alternatives include phrases like "barely detectable", "almost imperceptible", or "scarcely noticeable", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "virtually perceptible" and "imperceptible"?

"Virtually perceptible" suggests something is almost able to be perceived, whereas "imperceptible" means it is impossible to perceive. "Virtually perceptible" implies a very faint level of detectability.

When is it appropriate to use "virtually perceptible" in writing?

Use "virtually perceptible" when describing a subtle change, effect, or quality that is difficult to notice without close attention. It's useful in contexts where precision and attention to detail are important.