"Almost" and "Almost All": What's the Difference?
Many English learners often get "almost" and "almost all" confused. But using one when the other is appropriate can cause confusion.
This article will explain how to use these two common expressions as well as some related terms that are useful to know.
Almost
Use "almost” to say that something is close to a particular point or state.
It’s almost time to go, so let's get ready.
My son is almost 13; his birthday is in two weeks.
This song is almost finished; I just need to add some guitar.
In the examples above, we're close to a specific time (the time to go), close to an age (13) and close to a state (completion).
"Almost" can also be used as a response to a question.
A
Are you finished reading that book?
B
Almost. I’ll return it to you tomorrow.
A
Are we there yet?
B
Almost!
This time, we're close to completion (of a book) and close to a destination.
Almost All
While “almost” refers to a point, “almost all” refers to an amount of something.
For example, if you've read 99 pages of a 100-page book, you have read almost all of the book. If there are only 10 minutes remaining in the movie you’re watching, you've watched almost all of the movie.
My coworkers drank almost all of the coffee.
I’ve used almost all of the data on my phone this month.
Almost all of my friends can speak English.
It can also be used as a response.
A
How much of the food did the baby eat?
B
Almost all of it. His appetite is really growing!
In the examples above, "almost all" refers to an amount close to 100%. However, it can also refer to an amount close to zero.
A
How much milk do we have left?
B
It’s almost all gone, so we should buy some more.
This idea can also be expressed as “almost none” or "almost no ~," as shown below.
Milk? There's almost none left, so we should buy some more.
There's almost no gas in my car; we have to fill it up before we can go anywhere.
Related Expressions
Barely
We use “barely” to emphasize that something is only just or almost not what it's supposed to be.
You’re tired already? We’ve barely started!
[= We just started.]
I didn't study very hard, so I barely passed the test.
[= I almost didn’t pass the test.]
I thought it would be crowded, but there’s barely anybody here.
[= There is almost nobody here.]
I can barely understand what they're saying.
[= I almost can’t understand.]
A
Can she drive?
B
Barely. She just turned 16 last week.
[= She is only just able to drive.]
Hardly
“Hardly” is used very similarly to "barely;" we use it to emphasize a small amount/degree/etc.
There’s so much food that I can hardly finish it all!
[= I almost can’t finish it.]
Her handwriting is so messy; I can hardly read it!
[= I almost can't read it.]
I can hardly drive on these narrow streets.
[= I almost can’t drive.]
She’s hardly gotten any sleep this week.
[= She almost hasn’t slept this week.]
Just about
Finally, there's "just about," which is a more casual way of saying "almost."
It's just about time to go, so get ready.
A
Are you finished reading that book?
B
I'm just about done. I’ll return it to you tomorrow.
Wrap-up
Let's do a quick summary: "Almost" refers to a point that is close to something, while "almost all" (or "almost none") refers to an amount of something.
The more you practice with these terms and hear them being used around you, the more you will master their differences. Study the examples included here and try using them yourself in a lesson with an Engoo tutor!
For more explanations of similar English words and phrases, check out our article What's the Difference Between These English Words?
