we almost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we almost" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something nearly happened or was close to being true. Example: "We almost finished the project on time, but a few last-minute issues held us back."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We almost fainted.

The New York Times

Well, we almost could.

The New York Times

We almost said yes".

The New York Times

We almost lost our son.

The New York Times

"We almost won," he said.

The New Yorker

"We almost doubled the membership".

The New York Times

We almost never had sex.

The New Yorker

And we almost won.

The Guardian

We almost believed it".

The New York Times

"We almost did.

The New York Times - Magazine

"We almost met him.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we almost", ensure the context clearly indicates what outcome was narrowly avoided or nearly achieved. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "we almost" when the action was impossible or highly improbable. This can create confusion and weaken the impact of your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we almost" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb, indicating the nearness of an event or action. Ludwig AI shows it is used to express that something was close to happening but didn't actually occur.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we almost" is a common and versatile expression used to indicate that something nearly happened. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness of the phrase. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, reflecting its neutral register and broad applicability. While other alternatives exist, such as "we nearly" or "we came close to", "we almost" remains a straightforward and widely understood way to convey a sense of near-miss or close proximity to a particular outcome. Understanding when and how to use this phrase effectively can enhance clarity and impact in both written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we nearly

This alternative is a direct synonym, replacing "almost" with "nearly" to convey a very similar meaning.

we narrowly

Similar to "we nearly", this alternative emphasizes the closeness of the event.

we came close to

This alternative uses a more descriptive phrase to indicate that something was narrowly avoided or achieved.

we were on the verge of

This alternative suggests a higher degree of imminence, implying that something was about to happen.

we all but

This alternative is a more concise way of saying "we almost", often used in informal contexts.

we practically

Suggests that something is close to being real but it isn't.

we skirted with

Implies a near miss, avoiding an event by a slim margin.

we verged on

Implies being very close to a condition or event, often negative.

we approached

Suggests getting close to a location or objective but not fully reaching it.

we teetered on the brink of

This alternative suggests a precarious situation where something undesirable was narrowly avoided.

FAQs

How can I use "we almost" in a sentence?

The phrase "we almost" indicates that something nearly happened or was very close to being true. For instance, "We almost missed our flight" or "We almost won the game".

What's a more formal alternative to "we almost"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "we came close to" or "we were on the verge of", depending on the context.

Is "we almost did" grammatically correct?

Yes, "we almost did" is grammatically correct. It is often used as a short, emphatic way of saying "we almost succeeded" or "we almost achieved something".

What is the difference between "we almost" and "we nearly"?

The phrases "we almost" and "we nearly" are very similar in meaning and can often be used interchangeably. Both indicate that something came close to happening but did not quite occur.