A process or state can be close to its endpoint.
The idea
Nearly means almost. Place it before the adjective or verb it modifies: nearly ready, nearly finished.
Examples
- The soup is nearly ready.
- We have nearly finished the puzzle.
- The glass is nearly empty.
- The train has nearly arrived.
- I nearly dropped my keys.
- The children are nearly asleep.
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Watch out
Nearly finished does not mean completely finished.
Try it yourself
Choose the correct answer. The painting is almost complete: it is ___ finished. (nearly / never)
Show answer or example answer
nearly
nearly: The painting is close to completion.
Choose the correct answer. A jar of water is nearly empty. Is there still some water in it? (yes / no)
Show answer or example answer
yes
yes: The jar still contains some water.
Choose the correct answer. I nearly fell on the steps. Did I fall? (no / yes)
Show answer or example answer
no
no: The speaker came close to falling but did not fall.
Practice round
Answer questions and rebuild English sentences to practise. Your score is shown.
Choose the correct answer. The painting is almost complete: it is ___ finished. (nearly / never)
Choose the correct answer. A jar of water is nearly empty. Is there still some water in it? (yes / no)
Choose the correct answer. I nearly fell on the steps. Did I fall? (no / yes)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Describe something you have nearly finished.