Nearby vs Nearly: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
Nearby" means close by, while "nearly" is used to mean almost.
Memory Tip: nearby = close by, nearly = almost
nearby has stress on 'near', nearly has stress on 'near'
nearby
adverbThe adverb "nearby" refers to a location that is close to a particular place or person.
Example:
If you are hungry, there is a great restaurant nearby that we can try.
Common patterns:
nearby park
nearby restaurant
nearby town
nearly /ˈnɪrli/
adverbAlmost or not quite completely.
Example:
I've nearly finished my book, so I might start a new one tomorrow.
Common patterns:
almost
not quite
Common Mistakes
The restaurant is nearly, we can walk there.
The restaurant is nearby, we can walk there.
"Nearby" is correct because it indicates the restaurant is close by.
I was nearby falling asleep during the lecture.
I was nearly falling asleep during the lecture.
"Nearly" is correct because it means almost falling asleep.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. If you are hungry, there is a great restaurant ____ that we can try.
2. I've ____ finished my book, so I might start a new one tomorrow.
Other Confusing Words
Never confuse nearby / nearly again
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