virtually simultaneously

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtually simultaneously" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe events or actions that occur at nearly the same time, though not exactly. Example: "The two experiments were conducted virtually simultaneously, allowing for a direct comparison of results."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

The free download of the band's album was announced – and happened virtually simultaneously – when U2 performed at the Apple iPhone launch event in Cupertino, California on 9 September.

The Guardian - Music

In an instant message system, words typed on a computer appear virtually simultaneously on the screens of one or more other people.

The New York Times

"The idea that it was a 'fat finger' error is ludicrous; unless the fat finger hit every market in the world virtually simultaneously.

The Guardian - Business

The killings had to take place virtually simultaneously or the guards would be alerted, by a missing officer or a new mood among the inmates.

The Guardian - Film

Another couple, Kim Han Wook and Jung Ryu Hee, said they hit on the idea of going to the drive-in for Valentine's Day together, virtually simultaneously.

The New York Times

Two widely separated locations within the same city might be found to have clusters of cases of typhoid all arising virtually simultaneously.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

(That means no disrespect to her creator: if, as I suspect, Belle never really existed, she carried off the singularly modern feat of pleasuring hundreds of thousands of clients virtually and simultaneously - and without a pornographic image in sight).

The Guardian

Although the investment horizon is often indefinite, in project analysis it is convenient to assume reaching a point in the future when all the assets and all the liabilities are virtually liquidated simultaneously.

European Transport Research Review

(Players can also, of course, search virtually and physically simultaneously by consulting Bing on mobile devices).

The New York Times

The motorization of police forces took place simultaneously in virtually all Western countries; by World War I, many urban police departments were using motorized patrols.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Two validation experiments were designed to simultaneously measure virtually all model outputs, often using multiple methods at many spatial locations.

Agricultural and Forest Meteorology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing precise scientific or technical processes where timing is critical, consider if "virtually simultaneously" accurately reflects the degree of synchronicity. If a higher level of precision is needed, use more specific terms.

Common error

Avoid using "virtually simultaneously" when describing events that are clearly sequential or have a noticeable time gap. This phrase implies a high degree of temporal proximity, and misusing it can mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtually simultaneously" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that two or more events occur at approximately the same time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "virtually simultaneously" is a useful adverbial phrase for indicating that events occur at approximately the same time. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. It's important to remember that it implies near simultaneity, not perfect synchronicity. While found in various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias, its usage is less common in informal settings. Use it to effectively communicate the close temporal relationship between events, while avoiding overstatement when describing sequential actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

practically concurrently

This is a more formal alternative, similar in tone but uses different vocabulary.

almost at the same time

This alternative uses simpler language, making it slightly less formal.

effectively at the same instant

This is a more emphatic way of expressing near simultaneity, highlighting how closely timed the events are.

nearly at once

This option is shorter and more concise, suitable for less formal contexts.

at approximately the same time

This alternative emphasizes the approximate nature of the simultaneity.

just about simultaneously

Adds a colloquial feel, softening the formality of the original phrase.

in close succession

Focuses on the events happening one after the other with minimal time gap.

close to simultaneous

A slightly simplified version, which might be preferable in some contexts.

in quick synchrony

This option emphasizes the coordinated nature of the events.

in virtual sync

More informal version using "virtual" as a synonym of "almost".

FAQs

What does "virtually simultaneously" mean?

The phrase "virtually simultaneously" means that two or more events occur at almost the same time. The events aren't perfectly synchronized, but they happen closely enough together that they can be considered concurrent for most practical purposes.

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

You can use "virtually simultaneously" to describe events that occur close in time but are not perfectly synchronized. For example: "The company launched two new products "virtually simultaneously" to capture a larger market share."

Are there any alternatives to "virtually simultaneously"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "almost at the same time", "nearly at once", or "practically concurrently". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of formality required.

Is "virtually simultaneously" the same as "simultaneously"?

No, "virtually simultaneously" indicates near simultaneity, while "simultaneously" implies perfect synchronicity. Use "virtually simultaneously" when events are close in time but not perfectly aligned. If the events occur at precisely the same moment, then "simultaneously" is the appropriate term.