virtually precisely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtually precisely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to convey that something is almost exactly or very close to being precise, often in contexts where exactness is important but not fully achieved. Example: "The measurements were virtually precisely aligned, ensuring the structure's stability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Quentin stages and utilizes that frame to allow an audience to know almost precisely where all the characters are at any one time in virtually every shot.

Los Angeles Times

They have virtually no organization (precisely because they are one-man shops) and often are run by self-willed autocrats who act on impulse.

Harvard Business Review

Deconstruction stressed the extent to which "meaning" and "authorial intention" are virtually impossible to fix precisely.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Off Broadway material is intact to a remarkable degree; Hedwig is still the narrator, and the song roster is virtually identical, presented in precisely the same order.

The New York Times

While complex genome editing in the mouse since the 1990s has been dominated by the use of embryonic stem (ES) cells, CRISPR/Cas9 now offers a versatile and fast approach to precisely modify virtually any DNA regions directly in mouse zygotes.

Journal of Genetics and Genomics

Thus, it is virtually impossible to state precisely when a certain mythical theme becomes a mere literary theme or to determine in general when myths are no longer being created.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Bottom line: We can all learn from the GM debacle precisely because virtually none of the organizations for which we work are immune from such culture malpractices and misbehaviors.

Forbes

Both of these attacks had traction precisely because virtually every American agrees that when you need health care - you should get it.

Huffington Post

The animals were also fitted with G.P.S. trackers, so their vocalizations, which were virtually non-stop, could be precisely collated with their location and depth.

The New Yorker

A former chicken-plant worker like England can humiliate virtually any Iraqi she wants precisely and only because she is American in Iraq.

The Guardian

But as last week's unexpected turn of events indicate, planning for the end of the Assad government, which administration officials insist will happen without saying precisely when, is virtually impossible.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "virtually precisely" to indicate a high degree of accuracy or exactness where perfect precision might not be achievable or measurable. This phrase is suitable when the deviation from exactness is negligible.

Common error

Avoid using "virtually precisely" if the situation requires absolute precision. This phrase implies slight deviation, so it's inappropriate when exactness is mandatory.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtually precisely" functions as an adverbial modifier, enhancing the precision of a statement. It conveys that something is nearly exact, aligning with Ludwig AI's indication of its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "virtually precisely" is a grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to indicate a high degree of accuracy, stopping short of absolute exactness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. It's suitable for various contexts where near-exactness is relevant. While not incredibly common, it effectively conveys a nuanced level of precision, making it a valuable addition to one's vocabulary. Remember to use it when you want to express that something is almost exactly right, but with a slight allowance for potential minor deviations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost exactly

Indicates a degree of approximation, emphasizing nearness to an exact value.

nearly precisely

Similar to "almost exactly", but with a slight emphasis on the precision aspect.

practically exactly

Highlights the practical equivalence to being exact, even if not perfectly so.

essentially precisely

Emphasizes the fundamental exactness while allowing for minor deviations.

in effect precisely

Focuses on the outcome being precise, regardless of minor variations in the process.

tantamount to precisely

Positions the concept as equivalent in effect to being precise.

as good as exactly

An informal way to express near-perfect accuracy or precision.

close to exactly

Directly indicates proximity to an exact measurement or state.

effectively precisely

Similar to "in effect precisely", focusing on the practical outcome.

approaching exactness

Highlights the trend towards becoming fully exact, rather than a current state.

FAQs

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

You can use "virtually precisely" to indicate that something is almost exactly or very close to being precise. For example, "The measurements were virtually precisely aligned, ensuring the structure's stability."

What are some alternatives to saying "virtually precisely"?

Alternatives include "almost exactly", "nearly precisely", or "practically exactly" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "virtually precisely"?

While both words indicate a high degree of accuracy, "virtually" softens the absolute nature of "precisely", suggesting near-exactness. The combination can be useful for nuanced descriptions.

What's the difference between "virtually precisely" and "exactly"?

"Exactly" implies absolute precision, whereas "virtually precisely" suggests a level of accuracy that is extremely close but not necessarily perfect. Use "virtually precisely" when acknowledging a minimal margin of error.