can mostly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can mostly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is generally or primarily possible, but not always. Example: "The new software can mostly handle the tasks we need, but there are some limitations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Learn as much as you can, mostly from other students.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

They are areas we can, mostly, agree upon.

The Washington Post

As qualitative or semiquantitative assessment, a simple plasticity measurement or scratch adhesion test can mostly suffice.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Jepsen, whose success can mostly be chalked up to one undeniable "tune", has nine nominations.

The Guardian - Music

At the moment these online TV services can mostly only be accessed via a computer screen.

The Guardian

Jakob Skau, the chief officer, says that modern container ships can mostly sail themselves.

The Economist

Thai media can mostly be relied on to stick to the official narrative.

The Economist

After all, costs are the only thing we can (mostly) control.

The New York Times

On Twitter, on the other hand, people can mostly use any name they choose.

The New York Times

These cultural values can mostly be distinguished into two categories: group-oriented vs. self-oriented cultures.

Harvard Business Review

When individuals have the right information, incentives, tools, and accountabilities, they can mostly manage themselves.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "can mostly" to express a general capability or possibility when it's important to acknowledge that there might be exceptions, without detailing each one.

Common error

Avoid using "can mostly" when a more precise qualifier is needed. Overusing it can make your writing vague. If you know the specific conditions under which something cannot occur, it's better to specify those directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can mostly" functions as an adverbial modifier, softening the verb 'can' to indicate a qualified ability or possibility. Ludwig AI indicates that it's a grammatically correct way to express that something is generally, but not always, true.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

38%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can mostly" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that conveys a qualified possibility or capability. Ludwig highlights its acceptability and broad application across diverse contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. It functions as an adverbial modifier, softening the meaning of 'can' to acknowledge potential exceptions or limitations, and its neutral register makes it suitable for various communication styles. Using "can mostly" effectively involves being aware of the specific conditions that might prevent the action from occurring.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generally can

Emphasizes the general ability while acknowledging exceptions. It changes the focus from 'mostly' to 'generally'.

typically can

Highlights the typical or usual case, implying that deviations are possible. This alternative changes the focus on the statistical norm.

usually can

Similar to 'typically can', but with a slightly less formal tone. The degree of formality is the only difference.

largely can

Indicates that the ability or possibility is present to a great extent. This alternative is more focused on the scale.

primarily can

Suggests that the ability or possibility is present in the main instance. This alternative is more focused on prevalence.

for the most part can

Emphasizes that the statement is true in most situations. A bit more verbose.

almost always can

Highlights the high frequency of the ability or possibility. It shifts the focus to the near-certainty.

more often than not can

Indicates a probabilistic tendency toward the ability or possibility. Slightly less direct.

on average can

Focuses on the average outcome or ability, implying variability. More focused on statistical averages.

in many cases can

Suggests that the ability or possibility is present in a significant number of instances. It shifts the focus to the significant occurences.

FAQs

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

Use "can mostly" to indicate that something is generally true or possible, but not always. For example, "The software "can mostly" handle the data, but there are occasional glitches".

What are some alternatives to "can mostly"?

You can use alternatives like "generally can", "typically can", or "usually can" depending on the context. These phrases all convey a sense of something being true in most cases, but not always.

Is "can mostly" grammatically correct?

Yes, "can mostly" is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It's a common way to express that something is true or possible in most, but not all, situations.

What's the difference between "can mostly" and "can always"?

"Can mostly" indicates that something is true or possible in most cases, while "can always" implies that something is true or possible in every case. For example, "I "can mostly" finish my work on time" suggests that there are occasional delays, while "I "can always" finish my work on time" suggests a perfect record.