for the most part

USAGE SUMMARY

"for the most part" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize that almost all of something is true, but not necessarily all of it. For example, "For the most part, everyone got along well at the party, but there were one or two people who caused a bit of trouble."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nonsense, for the most part.

The New York Times

And, for the most part, a secret.

The New York Times - Magazine

The laws, for the most part, worked.

The New Yorker

For the most part, the latter.

The Economist

For the most part, it is.

The Economist

Here, for the most part, they succeed.

The New Yorker

(So far unsuccessfully, for the most part).

The New York Times - Magazine

For the most part, it succeeded.

The New York Times - Sports

Redistribution, for the most part, is not.

The Economist

For the most part, it has worked.

The New York Times - Sports

For the most part, people restrain themselves.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for the most part", ensure the context provides enough information about the exceptions, even if they are not explicitly detailed.

Common error

Avoid using "for the most part" when the exceptions are so significant that they undermine the general statement. In such cases, consider rephrasing to focus on the specific instances.

How to use

Learn how to use "for the most part" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

Adverbial phrases like "for the most part" modify a verb, adjective, or another adverb. Here, it functions as a qualifier, tempering a statement to indicate it's generally true but not universally so, according to Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Sports

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for the most part" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to qualify statements and acknowledge exceptions. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While similar phrases exist, "for the most part" provides a unique blend of generality and precision. To ensure clarity, remember to qualify your statements appropriately and avoid overgeneralization. Based on Ludwig, this is a valuable phrase to add nuance to your writing or speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in general

Focuses on the overall situation, without specifically acknowledging exceptions.

generally speaking

Highlights a broad overview or common observation.

on the whole

Emphasizes a comprehensive perspective, suggesting a few deviations.

by and large

Indicates a broad assessment with minor exceptions.

mostly

A shorter, more direct way of expressing the same idea.

primarily

Stresses the main aspect or dominant factor.

typically

Focuses on common occurrences or usual patterns.

in the main

An alternative way to express 'mostly' or 'generally'.

predominantly

Emphasizes the prevalence or dominance of something.

largely

Similar to mostly, but perhaps implying a slightly greater degree.

FAQs

How can I use "for the most part" in a sentence?

Use "for the most part" to indicate that something is generally true but not entirely. For example, "The weather was, "pleasant for the most part", except for a brief shower in the afternoon".

What's a good substitute for "for the most part"?

Alternatives include "in general", "generally speaking", or "mostly", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "for the most part generally"?

Yes, using both phrases together is typically redundant. Choose either "for the most part" or "generally" to avoid unnecessary repetition.

What's the difference between "for the most part" and "in general"?

"For the most part" specifically acknowledges potential exceptions, while "in general" provides a broader overview without necessarily highlighting those exceptions. Therefore, use "for the most part" if exceptions are known or implied.