but mostly

USAGE SUMMARY

"but mostly" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is used as a conjunction to indicate a contrast between two statements. For example: "I sometimes enjoy running, but mostly I prefer to do other activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But mostly, they cook.

The New York Times

But mostly he listens.

The New York Times

But mostly, she listened.

The New York Times

But mostly they didn't.

The New Yorker

But mostly, solitude pervades.

The New York Times

"But mostly amazing".

The New York Times

But mostly, I did.

The New York Times - Books

But mostly the best.

Independent

But mostly, Thorgerson delivered.

The Guardian - Music

But mostly just different.

The New York Times - Sports

But mostly by dudes".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but mostly" to introduce a key element after acknowledging other factors. This helps in focusing the reader's attention on what is most important.

Common error

While "but mostly" is useful, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by sometimes using alternatives like "primarily" or "mainly" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but mostly" serves as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, connecting two related ideas while emphasizing the primary one. As confirmed by Ludwig, it indicates a contrast where the latter part of the sentence holds greater significance. Many examples are available, as shown in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but mostly" is a versatile conjunctive phrase that shifts emphasis to a primary aspect. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts. While prevalent in news and media, it also appears in academic and formal settings, indicating its broad applicability. When using "but mostly", ensure it aligns with the intended tone, and consider alternatives like "primarily" or "mainly" for variety. The high frequency and authoritative sources confirm its reliability in conveying a focused message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mainly

A direct synonym, indicating the principal element or focus.

primarily

Directly indicates the main aspect or focus.

yet mainly

Similar to "but mostly", but uses "yet" to introduce the contrast.

largely

Indicates that something is mainly or to a large extent true.

chiefly

Highlights the most important or influential aspect.

however primarily

Emphasizes a primary aspect following a contrast, similar to highlighting the main point.

for the most part

Indicates that something is generally true, with some exceptions.

though chiefly

Suggests the main element among others, with "though" presenting a contrast.

predominantly

Highlights what is most common or prevalent, similar to focusing on the majority.

principally

Highlights the primary factor or reason, similar to focusing on the main element.

FAQs

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

Use "but mostly" to introduce a primary aspect after acknowledging other factors, for example: "They enjoyed hiking, swimming, and cycling, "but mostly" they loved the stunning views".

What are some alternatives to "but mostly"?

You can use alternatives like "primarily", "mainly", or "chiefly" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "but mostly" and "however"?

"But mostly" emphasizes a primary element after other factors, while "however" introduces a general contrast. For example: "They offer various services; however, their main focus is consulting" versus "They offer various services, "but mostly" consulting".

Is it correct to start a sentence with "but mostly"?

While grammatically acceptable, starting a sentence with ""but mostly"" can sometimes sound informal. Consider rephrasing for a more formal tone, such as "The primary focus, however, is..."