Cool MateAlmost vs Bordering on harassment
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Almost
Top 1,000 (very common)A2adverb
Bordering on harassment
FormalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: Bordering on harassmentMost common: Almost
| Almost | Bordering on harassment | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈɔːlməʊst/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈɔːlməʊst/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ˈbɔːdərɪŋ ɒn hærəsˈmɛnt//🇺🇸 //ˈbɔrdərɪŋ ɑn hɑːrəˈsmɛnt// |
| Meaning | not quite, but very close to something | Almost considered harassment. |
| Example | I almost forgot to bring my umbrella today. | His frequent comments about her appearance are bordering on harassment. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | adverb | |
| Collocations | almost finished, almost there, almost perfect, almost everyone, almost never | bordering on inappropriate, bordering on unacceptable, bordering on abusive |
| Antonyms | completely, totally, entirely | - |
| Common mistakes | 'Almost' used with a negative word (e.g., 'almost not') which creates confusion., Confusing 'almost' with 'nearly' as they have similar meanings but may differ in nuance., Using 'almost' where 'just' would be more appropriate. | Confused with 'border on' using an incorrect noun., Overusing in casual contexts., Not recognizing it implies seriousness when discussing behavior. |
| Usage notes | Use 'almost' to indicate something is nearly true or happening. It's commonly used in both spoken and written English. Avoid overusing it to prevent sounding vague. | Used in serious discussions about inappropriate behavior; typically avoided in casual conversation. Ensure sensitivity when using in professional contexts. |
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Frequently asked questions: Almost vs Bordering on harassment
What's the difference between Almost and Bordering on harassment?
Almost: not quite, but very close to something Bordering on harassment: Almost considered harassment.
Which is more formal: Almost and Bordering on harassment?
Bordering on harassment is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Almost and Bordering on harassment?
Almost is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Almost: I almost forgot to bring my umbrella today. Bordering on harassment: His frequent comments about her appearance are bordering on harassment.
Can I use Almost and Bordering on harassment interchangeably?
Not always. Almost and Bordering on harassment are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.