Meaning & use
very nearly
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Meanings
adverb
Almost, but not completely; used to emphasize how close something was to happening.
Grammar: It usually comes before the verb or adjective it modifies: I very nearly forgot.
Patterns
- very nearly + verb
- very nearly + adjective
- very nearly + past participle
I very nearly missed the train this morning.
She very nearly won the race but came second by a second.
We very nearly didn't go, but I'm glad we did.
adverb
Used to say that something is almost true or almost the case.
Grammar: Can modify adjectives: The two paintings are very nearly identical.
Patterns
- very nearly + adjective
- very nearly + the same
The two brothers are very nearly the same height.
The copy is very nearly perfect.
Common combinations
- very nearly missed
- He very nearly missed his flight.
- very nearly died
- The climber very nearly died in the storm.
- very nearly forgot
- I very nearly forgot your birthday.
- very nearly the same
- The two dresses are very nearly the same color.
Synonyms and how they differ
- almost
- More general and less emphatic; 'very nearly' stresses how close something was.
- just about
- Informal and often means 'only just'; 'very nearly' focuses on almost happening.
Commonly confused: very nearly or nearly?
very nearly vs nearly
Nearly means 'almost'; 'very nearly' is simply a stronger version of it.
Practice
I ___ forgot to lock the door this morning.
Choose one answer.
'Very nearly' is the correct fixed phrase meaning 'almost'. The other options are not standard English word orders.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “very nearly”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.