In most cases

USAGE SUMMARY

"in most cases" is a perfectly acceptable to use in written English.
It is often used to refer to general situations or situations in which something is usually true. For example, "In most cases, people respond more positively to kindness than to criticism."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In most cases, no.

The New York Times

In most cases it does.

The Economist

In most cases, they aren't.

The New York Times

In most cases, trade balances have improved.

The Economist

In most cases it has shrunk.

The Economist

In most cases, diplomacy works best.

The New York Times

In most cases, the answer is wildlife.

The New York Times

In most cases, that is by necessity.

The New York Times - Sports

In most cases, the accused priests confessed.

The New York Times

In most cases more than a little.

The New York Times - Arts

In most cases, none except mild diarrhoea.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in most cases", ensure that your statement allows for exceptions. It indicates a general trend, not an absolute truth. Provide specific examples or qualifiers if necessary to avoid misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "in most cases" as a substitute for definitive data or evidence. If precise statistics are available, use them instead of relying on a general estimation. Using precise figures can lend greater credibility to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in most cases" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It indicates that what is being stated is generally true, but there are exceptions. Ludwig examples show it's often used to qualify statements, adding a degree of uncertainty or generality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in most cases" is a versatile phrase used to express generalizations with the understanding that exceptions may exist. Ludwig AI indicates its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, business, and general knowledge sources. While it is frequently used, it's crucial to ensure the statement allows for exceptions and is not used in place of precise data. Alternatives like "generally speaking" or "typically" can be used depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generally speaking

This alternative provides a broader, more generalized perspective, lacking the specific implication of 'cases'.

as a general rule

This phrase emphasizes the rule-like nature of the common occurrence, making it sound more formal.

typically

This is a shorter, more direct adverb that conveys the commonness of an event.

usually

Similar to 'typically', but can sometimes imply a slight deviation is still possible.

more often than not

This alternative phrase stresses the higher probability of something happening.

for the most part

Focuses on the major portion or aspect of something, rather than specific instances.

in the majority of instances

A more formal and somewhat lengthier way of saying "in most cases".

on average

This phrase implies a statistical tendency rather than a guaranteed outcome.

ordinarily

This word denotes what is normal or expected, carrying a slightly formal tone.

by and large

This phrase indicates a general overview, but with potential exceptions.

FAQs

How can I use "in most cases" in a sentence?

You can use "in most cases" to indicate that something is generally true but not always. For example, "In most cases, medication is unnecessary for Tourette's syndrome, but certain medications and therapies are available."

What are some alternatives to "in most cases"?

Some alternatives to "in most cases" include "generally speaking", "typically", or "usually". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "in most case" instead of "in most cases"?

No, the correct phrase is "in most cases". "Cases" is plural because it refers to multiple instances or situations. The singular form "case" would be grammatically incorrect in this context.

When should I avoid using "in most cases"?

Avoid using "in most cases" when you have precise data or statistics available. Using specific figures will enhance the accuracy and credibility of your statement. Also, be cautious when the statement could have serious implications if the exceptions are ignored.