Words / A2

NEERL-ee/ˈnɪəli/

Nearly means almost, but not completely: nearly finished, nearly ten o’clock, nearly everyone. Almost is a close synonym. Near is the adjective/preposition for distance: near the station — not “nearly the station.” Nearly never is possible; more often say hardly ever. I nearly missed the bus is a useful pattern.

Meaning

Almost, but not completely.

Examples

• “It is nearly time to go home.”
• “It is nearly time for the news.”
• “She nearly forgot her passport at the gate.”

Good to know

nearly = almost. near = close to a place. I nearly + past verb.

Near in meaning

almost

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