Introduction
The word “almost” is small but tricky. Many English learners use it incorrectly because they directly translate from their native language or misunderstand how English adverbs work.
In this ESL grammar guide, we’ll break down the 7 most common mistakes with “almost,” explain why they happen, and give you natural, easy-to-remember fixes. By the end, you’ll sound more fluent and accurate every time you use “almost.”
Mistake #1: Saying “I almost can” Instead of “I can almost”
Many ESL learners place “almost” in the wrong position.
- Incorrect: I almost can speak English.
- Correct: I can almost speak English.
Rule: In English, almost usually goes before the main verb, not the modal (can, will, should, might, etc.).
Mistake #2: Confusing “Almost” with “Most”
- Incorrect: Almost people like sushi.
- Correct: Almost everyone likes sushi.
- Correct: Most people like sushi.
Rule: You can’t say “almost people.” Use “almost everyone” or “almost all people” instead.
Mistake #3: Using “Almost” with Negatives Incorrectly
This mistake can completely change your meaning.
- Incorrect: I didn’t almost miss the train.
- Correct: I almost missed the train. → You were close to missing it.
- Correct: I almost didn’t miss the train. → You barely caught it.
Rule: Be careful with “almost” + negative. It often reverses the meaning of the sentence.
Mistake #4: Putting “Almost” in the Wrong Position with Time Phrases
- Incorrect: He almost every day goes running.
- Correct: He goes running almost every day.
Rule: When almost modifies a time phrase or frequency (like “every day”), it usually comes right before the time expression, not at the beginning of the sentence.
Mistake #5: Using the Wrong Verb Placement with “Almost”
- Incorrect: I almost have finished my homework.
- Correct: I have almost finished my homework.
Rule: Almost goes between the auxiliary and the past participle. This is a classic mistake in intermediate English grammar.
Mistake #6: Misusing “Almost” with Quantities
- Incorrect: I drank almost of the water.
- Correct: I drank almost all of the water.
- Correct: I drank almost half of the water.
Rule: Almost must modify words like “all,” “half,” “everyone,” “everything,” “no one,” etc. It can’t directly modify a noun.
Mistake #7: Using “Almost” Instead of “About” or “Around”
- Incorrect: I have almost 10 pens. → This means not quite 10 pens (maybe 8 or 9).
- Correct: I have about 10 pens. → This means approximately 10 pens.
Rule: Almost means “very close but not quite.” About or around means “approximately.”
Quick Summary Table – “Almost” Grammar Mistakes
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| I almost can speak. | I can almost speak. | Almost before the main verb. |
| Almost people like sushi. | Almost everyone likes sushi. | Use “almost everyone,” not “almost people.” |
| I didn’t almost miss the bus. | I almost missed the bus. | Negatives change meaning. |
| He almost every day goes. | He goes almost every day. | Position with time phrases. |
| I almost have finished. | I have almost finished. | Verb placement. |
| I drank almost of the water. | I drank almost all of the water. | Almost modifies “all.” |
| I have almost 10 pens. | I have about 10 pens. | Use about for approximation. |
Final ESL Grammar Tip
The fastest way to master “almost” is to ask yourself:
What is “almost” modifying?
- a verb → He almost fell.
- a time phrase → almost every day
- a quantity word → almost all, almost everyone
If it’s none of these, you probably need to rewrite your sentence.
Practice Challenge – Test Your Understanding
Rewrite these sentences correctly:
- I almost every day study English.
- I almost can finish this.
- I drank almost of my tea.
- I have almost 50 students.
- I didn’t almost forget my keys.
Discuss your answers in your next English lesson.
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