well almost

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'well almost' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to mean something that is close to being true, but not quite. For example, "I have almost finished my essay; well almost, I still need to proofread it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Well, almost any.

The New York Times - Books

Well, almost sober.

The Economist

"Khalas [finished]." Well, almost.

The Economist

Well, almost worked.

The New York Times - Arts

Well, almost five minutes.

The New York Times - Books

Well, almost no one.

The New York Times

Well, almost empty.

The New York Times

Well, almost everyone.

The New York Times

Well, almost quiet.

The New York Times

Well, almost complete.

The New York Times - Arts

Well, almost 98 years.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "well almost" to soften a statement that might otherwise sound overly critical or negative. It acknowledges a degree of accuracy while also hinting at a minor imperfection.

Common error

Relying too heavily on "well almost" can make your writing sound hesitant or uncertain. Use it judiciously to maintain clarity and strength in your statements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "well almost" functions as an adverbial modifier, adding nuance to a preceding statement. It serves to qualify assertions, indicating that something is close to being accurate or complete, but not entirely so. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "well almost" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that functions as an adverbial modifier. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a versatile way to qualify a statement, indicating near accuracy with a hint of reservation. Predominantly found in news and media sources, the phrase adds a nuanced conversational tone. While alternatives like "nearly there" or "just about" exist, "well almost" offers a unique blend of qualification and conversational ease, making it a valuable tool in expressing subtle shades of meaning. Its frequent usage underscores its relevance in contemporary English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not quite

This alternative is a short, direct expression of the idea something is not all there.

all but

The alternative emphasizes that only a tiny imperfection prevents an element to reach fulfillment.

nearly there

This alternative focuses on the proximity to a goal or completion, rather than acknowledging an imperfection.

just about

This alternative underscores the narrow margin by which something falls short of being fully realized.

close to

This alternative stresses the nearness of the thing to what could or should be.

practically

This alternative emphasizes the functionality or usability, suggesting something works as if it were fully complete.

virtually

This alternative highlights the effect or appearance of something being complete, even if technically it is not.

almost entirely

This alternative points out that the thing is complete to a large degree but not fully.

approaching

This alternative conveys a sense of movement and change towards the ultimate outcome.

in the vicinity of

The alternative indicates a location or state near the point of perfection.

FAQs

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

You can use "well almost" to indicate that something is nearly true or complete, but not quite. For example, "I've finished the report, /s/well+almost/, I just need to add the conclusion."

What's a good alternative to "well almost"?

Alternatives to "well almost" include "nearly there", "practically", or "just about", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "well, almost"?

Yes, it's correct. The "well" serves as an introductory interjection, adding a slight pause or emphasis before the "almost". The comma is optional but recommended for clarity.

What is the difference between "almost" and "well almost"?

"Almost" directly indicates something is close to being true. "Well almost" adds a conversational tone, acknowledging the near-truth while implying a slight reservation or qualification.