Almost/pratically

Question

Hi,He can remember almost/pratically everything he reads.Is there any difference in meaning between almost and pratically here?Thanks.

Avangi · Accepted Answer

He can remember almost/pratically everything he reads.

I think there's a difference, although in the minds of many people when they use the terms,
there's probably not.

"Almost" doesn't discriminate between the important and the unimportant.
(He forgets approximately ten percent of everything he reads.)

"For all practical purposes," he remembers everything he reads.
(He remembers all the significant things and ignores some of the insignificant things.)

Of course, not everyone agrees on what is important!

(The second person is also making judgements.)

The person with total recall doesn't fit into either category.

Anonymous · Answer

Hi Avangi,
Thank you for your answer very much. Does "For all practical purposes" mean 'actually'?

I think 'practically' here means 'almost', not 'actually' and do you think that way?

What's the difference between 'almost' and 'nearly' here?

Avangi · Answer

Does "For all practical purposes" mean 'actually'?
I would not say so. "Actual" means "real."
People use "actually" as an introductory expression to mean, "Forget the previous. What I'm going to tell you now is really the truth:"
Some people toss these words around like sprinkling pepper on their food.

Yes, I suppose some people would use "For all practical purposes" and "actually" interchangeably - meaning, "The previous details were not exactly right. Here's the way it should be:"

What's the difference between 'almost' and 'nearly' here?
I would agree that these two can be used interchangeably here.
I'd say they both mean a very high percentage of the total "amount."

I think 'practically' here means 'almost', not 'actually' and do you think that way?
Many people use them interchangeably, but I try not to.

"Nearly" and "almost" both mean "approaching 100% of the total," in my opinion.

"Actually" means "really," in my opinion.

"Practically" means "in terms of what you would use in actual practice," in my opinion.

Edit.
"For all intents and purposes" is another somewhat dated expression which is used similarly to "for all practical purposes." It relates to the usefulness of the information.

Anonymous · Answer

Hi Avangi,

AvangiI think 'practically' here means 'almost', not 'actually' and do you think that way?Many people use them interchangeably, but I try not to.

Do you mean many people use practically and almost interchangeably but you don't?

Does 'for all practical purposes' mean 'almost'?

And do you mean practically doesn't mean 'almost'?

Thank you very much for your help

Avangi · Answer

Hi, Anon,

Do you mean many people use practically and almost interchangeably but you don't? Yes.

Does 'for all practical purposes' mean 'almost'? No.

And do you mean practically doesn't mean 'almost'? Yes.

As a practical person, you should be prepared to hear "practically" and "for all practical purposes" used to mean "almost/nearly." It's quite common in casual conversation.
When it becomes popular to misuse a word, then it's no longer consider a misuse. That's how language grows.
The 200-member "Usage Panel" of my 1980's American Heritage Dictionary (all experts in their respective fields) are split "practically" 50 - 50 on the use of "practically."

Have you finished the yard work [, Dear]? (reply) Almost. (I've done 90% of it.)

Have you finished the yard work [, Dear]? (reply) Practically. (I've done everything that's important - everything that needs to be done in preparation for our cook-out tomorrow.)
In my opinion, this is what it really means. But many people would use it to mean "almost/nearly."

The only misuse I personally endorse is when Mary Poppins pronounces that she's "practically perfect."

Anonymous · Answer

Hi, Avangi,

AvangiAs a practical person, you should be prepared to hear "practically" and "for all practical purposes" used to mean "almost/nearly." It's quite common in casual conversation.

Can I use practically to mean almost in formal situations?

Avangi are split "practically" 50 - 50 on the use of "practically."

What does it mean in the quote?

Can I say 'She is almost/nearly perfect'?

Why is 'practically' misuse in 'She is practically prefect' if it means 'almost'?

Thanks again!

Avangi · Answer

Half the experts say it's okay to use "practically" to mean "almost."

If you use it that way, "practically" everyone will understand what you mean.

If you wish to do so in a formal situation, or on an exam, you do it at your own peril. Why take a chance? Your teacher may be an old jerk like me!

Just be aware that when you use it (whatever your intention is), there's always the possibility that someone may take it the other way.
It's not really a big deal. In most cases, both interpretations amount to the same thing.
That is to say, any action you might need to take based on the information would be the same.

In casual conversation, you can be reasonably/practically sure people will take it as "almost/nearly."

Anonymous · Answer

Hi, Avangi,
Thank you very much for your very helpful answer.

Why is 'practically' misuse in 'She is practically perfect' if it means 'almost'?

Can I say 'she is almost/nearly perfect'?

Avangi · Answer

AnonymousCan I say 'she is almost/nearly perfect'?

Of course - if that's what you believe.

I have no idea what was in Mary Poppins' mind when she said that. She sometimes spoke in riddles.

If she meant "almost/hearly perfect," then only half of the experts might be inclined to criticize her for using "practically perfect." The other half would agree that what she said was perfect.

AlpheccaStars · Answer

AnonymousWhy is 'practically' misuse in 'She is practically prefect' if it means 'almost'?

Hi Anon;
It is not incorrect or misused.
Avangi is referring to some traditionalists - "grammar dictators" - who are very picky about how certain words are used. Hopefully is another such word that bothers them a lot!

Here is a usage note from the dictionary:

—Usage note
A few usage guides object to the use of practically in the senses “in effect, virtually” and “almost, nearly.” Both uses, however, are well established and standard in all varieties of speech and writing.

Regards,
A-

s

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