I was mostly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'I was mostly' is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something was predominant or held true for the majority of the time. For example, "I was mostly happy, but I had some difficult days too."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

And I was mostly right.

The New York Times

I was mostly into Nazi stuff.

Independent

Then I was mostly practising.

The Guardian - Music

"I was mostly looking at my notes".

The New York Times - Sports

But I was mostly full of it.

The New Yorker

I was mostly alone at school".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

I'm mostly relieved.

The New York Times

I'm mostly deaf.

The New Yorker

I'm mostly a speaker.

The New York Times - Books

I'm mostly a homebody there, though.

The New York Times

I am mostly now a tea-totaller.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I was mostly" to clearly communicate the predominant state or activity you were engaged in, providing context without overstating the exclusivity of that state.

Common error

Avoid using "I was mostly" when you actually mean "I was only", as this can mislead readers about the presence of other activities or states.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was mostly" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, indicating the degree or extent to which an action or state occurred. It suggests that something was true or happened for the greater part of the time or to a significant extent. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was mostly" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something was predominantly true or the main focus of activity. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While the phrase is relatively common, it's important to use it precisely to avoid overstating exclusivity, ensuring clarity in communication. Consider alternatives like "I mainly was" or "I primarily was" to fine-tune the intended nuance. This comprehensive analysis, supported by real-world examples, provides a clear understanding of how to effectively use this phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was mainly

Indicates the principal focus or condition.

I focused mainly on

Highlights concentration on specific aspects.

My primary focus was

Emphasizes the main point of attention.

I primarily was

Emphasizes the main activity or state.

I was primarily engaged in

Describes active involvement in a main activity.

I largely was

Suggests a substantial portion or degree.

I chiefly was

Highlights the most important or prominent aspect.

I predominantly was

Stresses the prevailing nature of something.

My time was spent primarily

Focuses on the allocation of time.

I dedicated myself mainly to

Emphasizes dedication towards a particular task.

FAQs

How can I use "I was mostly" in a sentence?

Use "I was mostly" to indicate that a particular state or activity was predominant, but not necessarily exclusive. For example, "I was mostly working from home, but I went to the office a few times a week".

What are some alternatives to "I was mostly"?

You can use alternatives like "I was mainly", "I primarily was", or "I largely was" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "I was mostly happy"?

Yes, it is correct. "I was mostly happy" means that you were generally happy, but there might have been moments or periods when you were not.

What is the difference between "I was mostly" and "I was almost"?

"I was mostly" indicates a predominant state, while "I was almost" indicates nearing a certain state or action. For example, "I was mostly asleep" means you spent the majority of the time sleeping, while "I was almost asleep" means you were on the verge of falling asleep.