but mostly normal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but mostly normal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is generally typical or standard, with a slight exception or variation. Example: "The weather has been unpredictable this week, but mostly normal for this time of year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

I woke up feeling a little queasy and confused by what I'd experienced, but mostly normal.

The New Yorker

It has been reported that the adsorption of heterocyclic compounds occurs with the aromatic rings sometimes parallel, but mostly normal to the metal surface.

International Journal of Industrial Chemistry

Small duct PSC refers to a variant of PSC that is characterized by cholestasis and histological features typical for PSC but mostly normal bile ducts on cholangiography [77].

Best Practice and Research in Clinical Gastroenterology

Vanfleteren et al. also found a group of subjects with cardiovascular comorbidities but mostly normal BMI and suggested that this group differed from another one called "metabolic" in whom subjects showed high rates of obesity, dyslipidemia atherosclerosis, and myocardial infarction [ 40].

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

THE DAWN -- After a hyperbolic night when so many fidgety people did their cork popping at home, New York stepped into the new year a little sleepier, a little messier, but otherwise mostly normal.

The New York Times

Scott Amey, general counsel for the Project On Government Oversight, wrote a blog post about why he thinks the contract raised concerns but was mostly normal, given bigger problems surrounding many federal contracts.

Huffington Post

In MHD patients with elevated plasma CRP but otherwise mostly normal nutritional parameters, intra-dialytic oral protein supplement was effective in increasing protein intake but did not provide a detectable impact on nutritional status or quality of life.

BMC Nephrology

Ahead of summer 2014, meteorologists had predicted a similar heat wave, but temperatures remained mostly normal.

The Washington Post

The gene came to light through studies of a large London family, well known to linguists, 14 of whose 29 members are incapable of articulate speech but are otherwise mostly normal.

The New York Times

We Spent 24 Hours wInherePornstar Couple.

Vice

Knockout mice that have been genetically engineered to lack the prion gene seem to be mostly normal, but that's no guarantee that the same is true of humans.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but mostly normal" to indicate that a situation or condition is generally typical or standard, with slight deviations or exceptions. It's suitable for describing scenarios where overall normalcy prevails despite minor anomalies.

Common error

Avoid using "but mostly normal" when the exceptions outweigh the normal aspects. If the deviations are significant or frequent, a phrase emphasizing the abnormality might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but mostly normal" functions as a qualifier, indicating that while something is generally ordinary or typical, there are some exceptions or deviations. This aligns with Ludwig's examples showing the phrase in contexts ranging from describing post-operative recovery to economic conditions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "but mostly normal" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to convey that a situation is largely typical, with some exceptions. Ludwig highlights examples from reputable sources, indicating its acceptance in both news and scientific contexts. While its frequency is uncommon, it effectively serves to reassure or moderate expectations by acknowledging deviations without undermining the overall normalcy. It is important to ensure that the exceptions are not the dominant aspect of the situation being described. While there are similar phrases such as "largely typical" and "generally standard", "but mostly normal" presents a unique and effective means of communicating a sense of qualified normalcy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for the most part, normal

Emphasizes that the state of being normal is the primary condition.

yet predominantly ordinary

Emphasizes the ordinary aspect more strongly, while acknowledging a deviation.

though largely typical

Highlights the typical nature while admitting some exceptions.

however, generally standard

Focuses on the standard aspect, with 'however' introducing a contrast.

primarily within the norm

Focuses on adherence to the norm, with implicit exceptions.

still mainly average

Highlights the average quality despite some variation.

although primarily unremarkable

Stresses the unremarkable nature, even with a few distinctive elements.

but generally unexceptional

Emphasizes the unexceptional quality, despite minor differences.

while substantially regular

Highlights the regularity, even with some irregularity.

on the whole typical, but

Inverts the structure, putting the typical aspect first, then introducing the contrast.

FAQs

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

You can use "but mostly normal" to describe a situation that is generally typical despite some exceptions. For example, "The weather has been unpredictable this week, but mostly normal for this time of year."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "but mostly normal"?

Alternatives include phrases like "for the most part normal", "largely typical", or "generally standard", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "but mostly normal" grammatically correct?

Yes, "but mostly normal" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English to indicate something is generally typical with a few exceptions.

When should I avoid using "but mostly normal"?

Avoid using "but mostly normal" if the exceptions or deviations are more significant or frequent than the typical aspects. In such cases, a phrase emphasizing the abnormality would be more appropriate.