but mostly means

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but mostly means" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to clarify or specify the primary meaning of a term or concept, often following a broader definition. Example: "The term 'sustainability' encompasses various practices, but mostly means maintaining ecological balance for future generations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Emma Howard, 26 I've spent a lot of my time having fun with other social activists, which can mean standing on the street with placards, but mostly means begging people for time, money or signatures.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

In general I found the dial incredibly sensitive, which could be good but mostly meant I accidentally swiped over NPR news stories or e-mails I wanted to listen to.

MIT Technology Review

Aspinall's job as personal assistant consisted of driving to concerts and meetings, but mostly meant just being there whenever someone needed something.

Wikipedia

But that mostly means business for tankers and bulk carriers, not container ships.

The New York Times

Consultant contracts amount to $21 million, but that mostly means environmental experts who check to make sure noise regulations are being followed.

The Washington Post

This might mean rebuilding trust with the person that hurt you, but it mostly means rebuilding trust with yourself and with those who might be able to hurt you again.

WikiHow

His ideal is one of self-sufficiency, symbolized for him by a painting he owns - St. Jerome, armored by faith, "all human knowledge packed into his little study bathed in golden light". But in practice this mostly means he is reluctant to commit himself to anything; even the idea of having to decide in April where he is going to go for a vacation in July seems to him an intolerable imposition.

The New York Times - Books

He said he wanted people to repent, but that mostly meant loving thy neighbor.

The New Yorker

Colin Montgomerie, the subject of the "Be Nice To Monty" campaign, escaped heckle-free from his opening round but that mostly meant that the loudmouths went elsewhere.

The Guardian - Sport

In the 1970's, women's magazines began to use sex surveys that had a veneer of science but were mostly meant to entertain.

The New York Times

That mostly means cars, but also power tools, which hoo, boy they are not kidding with that one.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but mostly means" to clarify a general statement by specifying its primary implication or outcome. This helps to avoid ambiguity and ensures your audience understands the key aspect you're highlighting.

Common error

Avoid using "but mostly means" in overly simple sentences where the primary meaning is already obvious. Overusing it can make your writing sound redundant and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but mostly means" functions as a qualifier or clarifier. It introduces a more specific or important aspect of a previously mentioned topic or statement. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

18%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but mostly means" serves to clarify or specify the primary meaning of a statement, often following a broader definition. Ludwig AI indicates that it's a correct and usable English phrase across various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, and less so in highly formal writing. Alternatives include "primarily signifies" and "mainly indicates". Using this phrase effectively involves ensuring it adds clarity rather than redundancy to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primarily signifies

Emphasizes the chief or main indication of something, differing in formality.

mainly indicates

Focuses on the principal sign or signal given by something.

chiefly implies

Highlights the main inference or suggestion conveyed.

largely suggests

Indicates what is predominantly proposed or brought to mind.

essentially denotes

Points out the fundamental meaning or reference.

fundamentally represents

Shows the core or basic embodiment of something.

is basically

Offers a simplified explanation of what something is.

in essence

Captures the distilled or concentrated meaning.

boils down to

Reduces a complex idea to its simplest form.

at its core

Identifies the central or most important element.

FAQs

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

Use "but mostly means" to clarify the main implication or result of a broader concept or action. For example, "The policy covers various environmental concerns, but mostly means reducing carbon emissions."

What are some alternatives to "but mostly means"?

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

Is "but mostly means" formal or informal?

"But mostly means" is generally suitable for neutral to slightly informal contexts. For more formal writing, consider using phrases like "primarily signifies" or "essentially denotes".

What's the difference between "but mostly means" and "but it also means"?

"But mostly means" emphasizes the primary or most important meaning, while "but it also means" suggests an additional, secondary meaning. The former narrows focus, the latter broadens it.