virtually the entire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtually the entire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that almost all of something is included, with a slight allowance for exceptions. Example: "The report covers virtually the entire scope of the project, leaving only a few minor details unaddressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"David Cameron went unchallenged for virtually the entire interview.

The Guardian

Virtually the entire Chinese high military command was purged in the weeks following Lin's death.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Virtually the entire output is exported.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Virtually the entire international community opposes the settlements.

The New York Times

And it mopped up virtually the entire minority vote nationwide.

The Economist

Mr. O'Neal has turned over virtually the entire board.

The New York Times

Gay men account for virtually the entire rise.

The New Yorker

Virtually the entire conservative intelligentsia turned against Bush overnight.

The New York Times

"Virtually the entire world took that memorable journey with us.

The Guardian

Before the emperors departed, virtually the entire hill was one vast palace.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The river has thus become integrated with virtually the entire waterway system of eastern Europe.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "virtually the entire" to emphasize that only very minor exceptions exist. It strengthens your statement compared to simply saying "most of".

Common error

Avoid using "virtually the entire" if there are significant exceptions. Overstating the completeness can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtually the entire" functions as a quantifier or determiner phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that almost all of it is being referred to. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig show it describing populations, areas, and even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "virtually the entire" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to convey near-complete inclusion or coverage. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a correct and usable phrase in English. The phrase is versatile, fitting comfortably in both formal and informal writing, with particular prevalence in news, encyclopedias, and general media as reported by Ludwig's usage patterns. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context accurately reflects a situation where only minimal exceptions exist to maintain credibility. For alternative phrasing, consider options such as "almost the whole" or "nearly all of" to adjust the tone or emphasis as needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost the whole

Indicates a near-complete inclusion, similar to the original phrase but with a slightly less formal tone.

nearly all of

This option replaces "virtually" with "nearly", providing a close synonym with minimal change in meaning or impact.

practically the entire

Substitutes "virtually" with "practically", conveying a very similar sense of near-completeness.

the vast majority of

Replaces "virtually the entire" with a phrase emphasizing a large proportion, but not necessarily implying near-completeness.

almost every

This option shifts from emphasizing a whole to focusing on individual elements within a group, implying that nearly all are included.

close to the complete

Uses an alternative wording to express that something is nearing being complete.

in great measure

This alternative utilizes a more literary or old-fashioned tone.

the preponderant part

A more formal and somewhat academic alternative, suitable for technical or scholarly writing.

substantially all

Emphasizes the major part or essence is being considered.

a large segment of

Suggests a significant portion, but not necessarily the overwhelming majority.

FAQs

How can I use "virtually the entire" in a sentence?

You can use "virtually the entire" to describe a situation where almost everything is included or affected, such as: "Virtually the entire village participated in the annual festival".

What phrases are similar to "virtually the entire"?

Alternatives include "almost the whole", "nearly all of", or "practically the entire", each conveying a similar meaning of near-completeness.

Is it more formal to say "virtually the entire" or "almost all of"?

"Virtually the entire" tends to be slightly more formal than "almost all of", though both are widely acceptable. The choice depends on the specific context and desired tone.

When should I avoid using "virtually the entire"?

Avoid using "virtually the entire" if there are substantial exceptions or if a more precise quantification is possible. If 20% of something is not included, consider using a more accurate description.