virtually used

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "virtually used" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is almost or nearly used in a particular context, often implying that it is not used in a literal sense. Example: "The software is virtually used by all departments within the company, making it an essential tool for collaboration."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The Cofina has borrowed to balance the budget every year and has virtually used up its $15 billion borrowing capacity.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We've had to become an organization that lives virtually — using Skype, Drop Box and the Web," he said.

The New York Times

Cab riders in New York City seeking a wheelchair-accessible taxi have recently begun hailing them virtually, using a service called Accessible Dispatch.

The New York Times

Note that the MFR virtually uses the CR in the CH and FC levels.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

The mandibular mentum was then cut virtually using the two osteotomy lines.

Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery

Numerous pairs of these realistic profiles are then assembled virtually using Monte Carlo simulation to quantify their positioning errors.

International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture

Tire enveloping tests in traversing obstacles of different sizes were then carried out, virtually, using the validated FE tire model.

Journal of Terramechanics

The concept of virtually using somebody else's network to deliver voice has been around for a long time.

Forbes

This was done "virtually" using high-resolution CT scans of the individual fragments, which were then put together on a computer and corrected for distortion.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Total Immersion's Try Live for example, uses face-tracking technology to let consumers "try on" glasses virtually using their laptops without even having to visit a shop.

BBC

The tool was applied to collect street environment data virtually using Google Street View for each street segment of the routes taken.

Journal of Transport Geography

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "virtually used", ensure the context clearly indicates the non-literal, near-complete nature of the usage. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "virtually used" when you mean something was completely or literally used. The term implies a near-complete or effective use, not an actual one. Choose words like "fully used" or "completely utilized" for direct use.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "virtually used" functions as a modifier, describing the state or extent of something being used. It suggests a near-complete or effective use without necessarily being a literal or physical use. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

6%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "virtually used" is a useful modifier to indicate that something is close to being completely used or has been used in such a way that the outcome is practically the same as if it were fully used. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is valid. While it appears in various contexts including science, news, and formal writing, it maintains a neutral register. When using "virtually used", it's essential to ensure clarity and avoid misinterpreting it as "actually used". Consider alternatives like "practically utilized", "nearly exhausted", or "effectively employed" for slight differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

practically utilized

Emphasizes the practical aspect of the usage, suggesting it's almost as good as fully used.

almost fully consumed

Highlights the degree of consumption or depletion, focusing on completeness.

nearly exhausted

Focuses on the state of being close to complete exhaustion or depletion.

effectively employed

Highlights the effectiveness of its usage even if not literally used.

functionally applied

Emphasizes the application and functionality of something, even if not physically present.

tantamount to using

Suggests that the effect is the same as if it were actually used.

as good as consumed

Indicates the state is nearly equivalent to being fully consumed.

essentially depleted

Highlights the essential completeness of the depletion.

in effect, used

Emphasizes that the result is the same as if something were physically used.

nearing complete use

Focuses on the progress towards complete usage, implying it is close.

FAQs

What does "virtually used" mean?

The phrase "virtually used" suggests something is almost or nearly used, but not in a literal sense. It implies that the effect or outcome is similar to complete usage.

What can I say instead of "virtually used"?

You can use alternatives like "practically utilized", "nearly exhausted", or "effectively employed" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "virtually used up"?

Yes, "virtually used up" is a common and correct phrase. It means something is almost completely consumed or depleted, as in "The funds were virtually used up".

How does "virtually used" differ from "actually used"?

"Virtually used" implies a near-complete or effective use without being literally used, while "actually used" indicates that something was literally and directly employed.