Most but

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Most but" is not correct and usable in written English as it is incomplete and lacks clarity.
It may be intended to introduce a contrast or exception, but it requires additional context or completion to convey a clear meaning. Example: "Most but not all of the participants agreed on the new policy."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Most — but not all — do.

The New York Times

Most, but not all, were ornithopods.

The Economist

Most, but by no means all.

The New Yorker

Most but not all, note.

The Guardian

Most, but not all for diabetes.

The New York Times

Most but not all were Israeli-born.

The New York Times - Arts

Most, but not all, students also appear opposed.

The New York Times

Most, but not all, seem to be staying put.

The Economist

Most, but not Lowe, are bound to anonymity.

The New York Times - Sports

Most, but not all, shapes serve the purpose.

The New York Times - Style

Most – but not all – of the demonstrators were Nigerian immigrants.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "most but", always complete the phrase to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Most but not all students passed the exam" is clearer than simply "Most but".

Common error

Avoid using "most but" without specifying what is being contrasted. The phrase is incomplete and leaves the reader wondering about the exception or limitation. Always provide the necessary context to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most but" functions as a quantifier with an implied exception. It sets up an expectation of generality that is immediately qualified. While Ludwig AI notes it's grammatically "Incorrect" due to incompleteness, it is used to introduce a statement that applies widely but not universally.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "most but" is frequently encountered, it's essential to recognize its grammatical incompleteness. Ludwig AI identifies it as "Incorrect". To maintain clarity and formality, particularly in professional or academic writing, it's advisable to use more explicit alternatives such as "most but not all" or other alternatives provided. The phrase is found across various contexts, notably in news and media, but the core message is: ensure completeness and clarity in your writing by providing the necessary context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A majority, however

Mirrors "most but" by denoting more than half while noting a contradiction.

Almost all, save for

Indicates near-completeness with a specified exception, slightly increasing the emphasis on the inclusive aspect.

Nearly all, barring

Implies a high degree of inclusion with specific exclusions, similar in effect to "almost all".

For the most part, except

Expresses a general rule with a defined exception, offering a clear and straightforward alternative.

Mostly, however

Replaces "most but" with an adverb and a contrasting conjunction, emphasizing a slight deviation from the majority.

Primarily, excluding

Similar to "largely", it specifies that something is mainly true, but with noted exceptions, using a more sophisticated tone.

Largely, although

Similar to "most but", indicates a general trend with a noted exception, swapping to a more formal tone.

The bulk, excluding

Indicates the main portion while setting aside certain elements, focusing on the mass rather than the universality.

Predominantly, yet

Highlights a main characteristic while acknowledging a divergence, maintaining a relatively formal register.

In the majority of cases, excluding

More explicitly states the condition of prevalence while singling out specific exclusions.

FAQs

How can I rewrite the phrase "most but" to improve its clarity?

To enhance clarity, replace "most but" with phrases like "almost all", "the majority", or "primarily" followed by a clarifying exception. For example, "Almost all students passed, except for a few who were ill".

Is it grammatically correct to use "most but" in formal writing?

While "most but" is frequently used, according to Ludwig AI, it's incomplete and considered grammatically "Incorrect" in formal contexts. Opt for more explicit constructions like "most but not all" or "the majority, however" to maintain formality.

What's the difference between "most but not all" and "almost all"?

"Most but not all" emphasizes that there are exceptions, while "almost all" focuses on the near-completeness of something. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the exceptions or the prevalence.

In what situations is "most but" an appropriate phrase to use?

The phrase "most but" can be used in informal contexts where brevity is valued, and the exception is either self-evident or immediately clarified. However, for clarity and precision, especially in formal writing, it's advisable to use a more complete phrase like "most but not all".