is mostly free

USAGE SUMMARY

"is mostly free" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts to describe something that is not completely free, but mostly free. One example could be: "The internet has revolutionized the way we access information, making it mostly free for everyone to use." In this sentence, "mostly free" means that there may be small fees or restrictions in certain cases, but in general, the internet is free for people to access information.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

For all its visual power, Aqua is mostly free of conceit.

The New Yorker

The lower bowl is mostly free of advertisements and other visual distractions, with a few exceptions.

The New York Times - Sports

The ground is mostly free of environmental concerns but lacks utilities or infrastructure.

The New York Times

On an Internet that is mostly free, after all, personal information is a chief currency.

The New York Times - Tech

His sort might really feel emboldened in a blogger-infested culture that is mostly free of editors and ethical norms.

The New York Times

Information leaks into the film via the radio and a few flashbacks, but "Wrecked" is mostly free of dialogue — and, unfortunately, suspense.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Education and health care are mostly free in Iceland.

The New Yorker

Windows are mostly free of iron bars, lawns are clipped and there is little graffiti.

The Economist

Americans are mostly free to pursue happiness however they choose with little interference from the state.

The Economist

Food was mostly free: bread from a bakery Dumpster and vegetables from the supermarket's Dumpster.

The New York Times

Mornings and early afternoons were mostly free for band members to read, exercise, stroll around.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing services or products, use "is mostly free" to honestly communicate that while access is generally free, certain features or usage levels might incur costs. This builds trust with your audience by setting clear expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "is mostly free" when there are significant hidden costs or limitations. Instead, be transparent about any conditions or fees to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is mostly free" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating that the noun is available without cost in most situations, but not necessarily entirely. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is mostly free" is a versatile adjective phrase used to describe something that is generally free, but may have certain costs or limitations. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used, primarily in news and media, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, it's best to be upfront about any potential costs to maintain transparency and credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is for the most part free

Rephrases "mostly free" as "for the most part free", which is more verbose but emphasizes the majority aspect of being free.

is by and large free

Substitutes "mostly free" with "by and large free", making it an idiomatic expression conveys overall freeness.

is almost entirely free

Changes "mostly free" to "almost entirely free", emphasizing the completeness of freeness.

is nearly free

Changes "mostly free" to "nearly free", suggesting a very close state to being completely free.

is virtually free

Substitutes "mostly free" with "virtually free", indicating it's near to free, with the word virtually adding a stronger implication of being free.

is largely without charge

Replaces "mostly free" with "largely without charge", emphasizing the absence of fees but sounds more formal.

is primarily free

Replaces "mostly free" with "primarily free", focusing on the primary aspect of being free, but gives a lower degree of freeness.

is substantially free

Substitutes "mostly free" with "substantially free", meaning largely but not wholly free.

is predominantly costless

Substitutes "mostly free" with "predominantly costless", highlighting the lack of expense, and the word "predominantly" is more emphasis.

is essentially gratis

Replaces "mostly free" with "essentially gratis", suggesting that something is basically free, 'gratis' is a more formal word.

FAQs

What does "is mostly free" mean?

The phrase "is mostly free" indicates that something is available without cost in most circumstances, but there may be some limitations, exceptions, or premium features that require payment.

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

You can use "is mostly free" to describe services, software, or events where the core functionality is free, but additional features are paid. For example, "The basic version of the software "is mostly free", but you'll need a subscription for advanced tools."

What are some alternatives to saying "is mostly free"?

Alternatives to "is mostly free" include phrases like "is largely free", "is virtually free", or "is almost entirely free", depending on the degree of freeness you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "is mostly free" and "is completely free"?

Yes, "is mostly free" implies some costs or restrictions may apply, while "is completely free" suggests no charges whatsoever. Using "is mostly free" sets more realistic expectations than claiming something "is completely free" when it isn't.