Basic Details
Word: Almost
Part of Speech: Adverb
Meaning: Nearly, but not completely.
Synonyms: nearly, practically, virtually, just about
Antonyms: completely, fully
How to Spell Almost
Syllables: al - most
Tricky part: Only one l. All loses an l when it joins most, so allmost is wrong.
Watch out for: allmost, almoast, allmoast
Memory tip: When all is glued to the front of another word, it usually keeps just one l: almost, also, always, already. Think of the second l as the glue that got used up.
Usage Examples
Example 1: The bus was almost empty when we got on at the last stop.
Example 2: I almost forgot my lunch box on the auto.
Example 3: It is almost time for the monsoon to reach Kerala.
Fun Fact
Almost was made in Old English from eall, all, and maest, most. At first it meant mostly all, and only later did it shift to the sense nearly.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Makeup
Choose the correctly spelt compound word:
a) allways
b) allthough
c) allmighty
d) almost
Show answer
d) almost. In these words all joins the next part with a single l: always, although, almighty and almost.
Word Connection
Choose the synonym of the word almost as used in the sentence:
The hall was almost full by the time the chief guest arrived.
a) totally
b) nearly
c) exactly
d) completely
Show answer
b) nearly. Almost full means nearly full, not completely full.
Mingle-Mangle
Unjumble the letters in the sentence to form a meaningful word:
The rice is tsolma cooked, so please set the table.
a) mostly
b) utmost
c) also
d) almost
Show answer
d) almost. Utmost has a u and mostly a y; a, l, m, o, s and t spell almost.
Spell-o-Spell
Only one of these words is spelt correctly. Choose its meaning:
1. almost 2. probebly 3. eventualy 4. definitly
a) without any doubt
b) very likely
c) in the end, after a long time
d) nearly, but not completely
Show answer
d) nearly, but not completely. Probably has -ably, eventually has ll and definitely keeps -ite; almost is the correct word.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. If a glass is almost full, it ____.
a) needs only a little more water
b) is completely empty
c) is overflowing
d) is half empty
Show answer
a) needs only a little more water
2. I almost won the race. Did I win?
a) No, but I came very close
b) Yes, by a long way
c) Yes, but only just
d) No, I did not take part
Show answer
a) No, but I came very close
