in most cases

USAGE SUMMARY

"in most cases" is a perfectly acceptable phrase to use in written English.
Generally, you would use it to talk about a general rule or trend, with exceptions. For example, "In most cases, the weather in May is sunny and warm, but this year it has been unusually cloudy and rainy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In most cases, no.

The New York Times

In most cases it does.

The Economist

They're manageable in most cases".

The New York Times - Health

In most cases, they aren't.

The New York Times

In most cases no.

Columbia University

Badly, in most cases.

The Guardian - Sport

In most cases, very.

MIT Technology Review

In most cases, trade balances have improved.

The Economist

In most cases it has shrunk.

The Economist

In most cases, diplomacy works best.

The New York Times

In most cases, the answer is wildlife.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in most cases", be clear about the exceptions to the general rule you are stating. This adds precision and credibility to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "in most cases" when you lack sufficient evidence to support the claim. Ensure that you have a reasonable basis for asserting a general trend, otherwise qualify your statement further.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in most cases" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the frequency or likelihood of an event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically acceptable and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

13%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in most cases" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to qualify statements and indicate general trends with acknowledged exceptions. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. It is most commonly found in news and media, wiki, and science contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that you are able to support the claim you are making and that you provide exceptions to the rule to add precision and credibility to your writing. Alternatives like "generally", "usually", and "for the most part" can be used to achieve a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for the most part

This expression shows that something is mainly true, with some exceptions.

usually

This term denotes the common or expected course of events.

generally

This word implies a broad overview, indicating a common pattern or tendency.

more often than not

This idiom emphasizes the frequency of something happening, hinting at a high probability.

by and large

This expression suggests that something is mainly true, disregarding minor exceptions.

typically

This term suggests what usually happens, focusing on the usual occurrence.

as a rule

This phrase sets a standard, indicating something that is normally true or happens.

ordinarily

This term points to what is normal or customary in a given situation.

on average

This phrase refers to a statistical norm, highlighting a typical value or outcome.

predominantly

This adverb indicates that something is the main or strongest element or characteristic.

FAQs

How can I use "in most cases" in a sentence?

Use "in most cases" to indicate a general trend or common occurrence, while acknowledging that there might be exceptions. For example, "In most cases, students find this course challenging but rewarding."

What are some alternatives to "in most cases"?

You can use alternatives like "generally", "usually", or "for the most part" to express a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "in most cases" or "in all cases"?

The choice depends on the context. Use "in most cases" when there are exceptions to a general rule. Use "in all cases" when something is invariably true without exception.

When is it inappropriate to use "in most cases"?

It's inappropriate to use "in most cases" when you're discussing a situation where the outcome is nearly certain, or when the exceptions are so numerous that the phrase becomes misleading. In those situations, use qualifiers like "often" or "sometimes" instead.