virtually sold out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtually sold out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that only a very small number of items are left for sale, suggesting that the product is almost completely unavailable. Example: "Due to high demand, our concert tickets are virtually sold out, with only a few remaining."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

It's virtually sold out, with only a tiny handful of $376.50 premium seats available before closing July 11.

The New York Times

From a commercial standpoint, since the limited engagement is already virtually sold out, the tandem's magic has worked.

The New Yorker

So why then is a new production, which is previewing in Dublin before moving to Broadway, virtually sold out?

The Economist

It was virtually sold out and grossed 85 percent of its maximum potential amount, very high for a play.

The New York Times

The group's spring tour is virtually sold out, as I discovered by trying to find a seat for such venues as Greenville, S.C., and Tampa, Fla., through Ticketmaster.

The New York Times

One network, CBS, is virtually sold out in the scatter market from October through December, Gordon Hodge, the media and broadcasting analyst at Thomas Weisel Partners, estimated yesterday.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

How about selling out?

Forbes

The Apex Lawson, one of the new bags designed to give a "virtually seamless silhouette," sold out within the first week (as did the other two bags in the line).

Huffington Post

The vaults sold out virtually overnight after it opened in 1830, and some of New York's leading citizens ended up there, including Benjamin Wright, the chief engineer of the Erie Canal; Aaron Clark, New York's first Whig mayor, and Uriah Scribner, of publishing fame.

The New York Times

For a while, the events of Sept. 11 seriously reduced attendance at many kinds of live performances, but Ms. Krauss and her band have sold out virtually everywhere on a cross-country tour that began in August -- perhaps in part because bluegrass seems to suit Americans' heightened awareness of the nation's history and traditions.

The New York Times

Nevertheless, the first printing of 5,000 copies sold out, though virtually no one had reviewed it.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing availability, use "virtually sold out" to convey a sense of urgency and high demand, but be prepared to specify the few remaining options for transparency.

Common error

Avoid using "virtually sold out" if there's still a significant number of items or tickets available. Overstating scarcity can damage credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtually sold out" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun (often tickets, products, or events) to indicate that almost all items available for sale have been purchased. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, as evidenced by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "virtually sold out" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe something nearly depleted. Ludwig AI highlights that it is used neutrally across contexts like News & Media, Wiki, and Formal & Business. While it effectively creates urgency, be sure to accurately reflect availability. Consider alternatives like "almost completely booked" or "scarcely available" to fine-tune your message. Remember that while source quality suggests wide acceptance, accuracy builds credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost completely booked

Indicates that reservations or bookings are nearly full, similar to being virtually sold out in the context of events or accommodations.

nearly exhausted

Suggests that the supply is close to being used up, reflecting a state similar to being virtually sold out for physical goods or resources.

close to full capacity

Emphasizes that the available space or resources are almost entirely utilized, similar to events or venues being virtually sold out.

nearing full subscription

Specifically applies to subscriptions being almost completely taken, akin to a service or offering being virtually sold out.

scarcely available

Highlights the limited availability of something, implying that it is nearly sold out or reserved.

practically all gone

Indicates that almost everything is gone, similar to stock or tickets being virtually sold out.

few remaining

Emphasizes that only a small number of items or slots are left, akin to being virtually sold out.

only a handful left

Highlights the scarcity of remaining items, similar to the last few tickets or products being available when something is virtually sold out.

thinning out

Suggests that the quantity is decreasing rapidly, implying that a sell-out is imminent.

mostly claimed

Indicates that the majority of items or slots have been taken, suggesting that it's virtually sold out.

FAQs

How can I use "virtually sold out" in a sentence?

You can use "virtually sold out" to describe events or products that are almost completely booked or purchased. For example, "The concert is "virtually sold out", with only a few tickets remaining."

What does "virtually sold out" mean?

"Virtually sold out" means that nearly all available items have been sold or reserved, and only a very small number are left.

What can I say instead of "virtually sold out"?

You can use alternatives like "almost completely booked", "nearly exhausted", or "scarcely available" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "sold out" or "virtually sold out"?

If there are absolutely no items left, use "sold out". If there are a few remaining, ""virtually sold out"" is more accurate.