virtually there

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtually there" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is close to achieving a goal or reaching a destination, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "After months of hard work, we are virtually there in completing the project ahead of schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The mechanics for cooperating are virtually there now".

The New York Times

The building is virtually there, timings are the issue.

The Guardian - Sport

"We were virtually there and had to turn back," he told Maan.

The New York Times

While Hewitt, seeded 16th, is trying to transition back with the top players in the world, third-seeded Novak Djokovic, 20, of Serbia, is virtually there.

The New York Times - Sports

"If we can get Jason at his best in man one, Chris has a good lap two and I can peg on a decent lap three, we should be virtually there".

The Guardian - Sport

"I think Kell's virtually there at the moment.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

When Ivanovic rolled up his sleeve to show the referee the mark at Anfield, there was virtually nothing there.

The Guardian - Sport

Few foreign architects have built in Russia, and Koolhaas is virtually unknown there.

The New Yorker

"From here, Champagne is two hundred and fifty miles southeast and you can virtually spit there".

The New Yorker

That New York has done virtually nothing there since 9/11 is outrageous testimony to its political incompetence.

Forbes

Meltzer says it is virtually certain there will eventually be another lethal pandemic.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "virtually there" when you want to convey that something is very close to being finished or achieved, but not quite there yet. It suggests a high degree of progress.

Common error

Avoid using "virtually there" when you mean "literally there". "Virtually" implies 'almost' or 'nearly', not 'actually'. For example, do not say "We were virtually there" if you had already arrived; instead, use "We were already there."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtually there" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying an adjective, indicating a state of near completion or close proximity to a goal or achievement. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is usable in written English. The examples from Ludwig show its usage in various contexts, from projects to personal achievements.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "virtually there" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that signifies nearness to a goal or completion. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its primary function is adverbial, modifying an adjective and conveying optimism about imminent success. While its register is generally neutral, it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. Related phrases include "almost there" and "nearly there", offering similar shades of meaning. When using this phrase, it's crucial to avoid confusing "virtually" with "literally". Overall, "virtually there" is a valuable addition to one's vocabulary for expressing progress and anticipation of achievement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost there

Indicates a very slight difference as it is the most common synonym.

nearly there

Emphasizes proximity to a goal, similar to "almost there".

practically there

Highlights the practicality of being close to completion.

essentially there

Focuses on the core elements being in place.

in the home stretch

An idiomatic phrase indicating the final part of a race or project.

on the verge

Suggests being at the edge of achieving something.

on the cusp

Implies being on the brink of a significant change or achievement.

within reach

Highlights that the goal is easily attainable.

drawing near

Emphasizes the progressive approach towards a goal.

just about there

More informal way to say "almost there".

FAQs

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

You can use "virtually there" to indicate nearness to a goal or completion. For example: "After months of development, the new software is "virtually there"."

What phrases can I use instead of "virtually there"?

Alternatives include "almost there", "nearly there", or "practically there". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "virtually there"?

Yes, "virtually there" is a correct and commonly used phrase to describe a state of near completion or achievement.

What's the difference between "virtually there" and "actually there"?

"Virtually there" implies that something is very close to being achieved or completed, but not quite. "Actually there" means that something has been fully achieved or completed.