is mostly only

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'is mostly only' is acceptable and can be used in written English. It is used to emphasize the degree of something or to emphasize that only certain items are part of the group. For example: 'The items in the sale are mostly only those that are not selling well.'.

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

It's not at all touristy because it is mostly only visited by walkers.

The Guardian - Travel

However, in science the researcher is mostly (only?) evaluated on the latter.

The Guardian

Cuba isn't the most tech-friendly place: internet is mostly only available at public Wi-Fi hotspots.

The Guardian - Travel

Fourthly, you state that it is mostly only countries with poor human rights records that support these rights.

The Economist

Though it sounds as if it should be a hoot, "Bunty Berman Presents... ...... is mostly only a whimper.

The New York Times

And the impressionistic manner works at another level, too, for it honestly reproduces the way that it is mostly only impressions that we can have of the Romans.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Bouts were mostly only three rounds, five minutes each.

The New York Times - Sports

But they are mostly only accessible by boat, and you may need to book in advance.

The Guardian - Travel

Plus, as Shuki suggests, by the time Saturday morning came around, it was mostly only good for toasting.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The contrast with Thatcher, another Tory part-raised above the family shop, was mostly only of degree.

The Economist

The finding was revelatory, the researchers said, in that many neuroscientists believed that subplate neurons were mostly only active during development.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is mostly only", ensure the context clearly defines the limited scope or condition you are describing. This prevents ambiguity and strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "is mostly only" in highly formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sound less sophisticated than alternatives like "is primarily" or "is largely confined to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is mostly only" functions as a qualifier, restricting the scope or applicability of a statement. It specifies that something is largely, but not entirely, limited to a particular condition, group, or situation. Ludwig confirms this phrase as acceptable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is mostly only" is used to qualify a statement, indicating that something is largely, but not exclusively, limited to a particular scope. Ludwig AI considers this phrase acceptable. While grammatically sound, "is mostly only" might be better replaced by alternatives such as "is primarily just" or "is largely confined to" in more formal contexts to enhance sophistication. Usage analysis reveals its presence across various domains like News & Media, Science, and Academia. However, overuse in formal writing should be avoided. Remember to use this phrase when you want to emphasize a primary but not absolute condition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is primarily just

Replaces "mostly" with "primarily" and "only" with "just", emphasizing the main aspect.

is largely confined to

Indicates that something is mainly limited or restricted to something.

is chiefly limited to

Replaces "mostly" with "chiefly", highlighting the main limitation.

is predominantly just

Uses "predominantly" to mean mainly or largely.

is mainly restricted to

Emphasizes restriction as the key aspect.

is generally just

Uses "generally" to indicate a common or widespread condition.

is typically just

Indicates that something is usually the case.

is almost exclusively

Highlights that something is nearly entirely limited.

is virtually exclusively

Emphasizes near-total exclusivity.

is essentially just

Indicates that something is fundamentally limited.

FAQs

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

You can use "is mostly only" to indicate that something applies primarily or almost exclusively in a specific context. For example, "This discount "is mostly only" for students".

What are some alternatives to "is mostly only"?

Alternatives include "is primarily just", "is largely confined to", or "is chiefly limited to", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "is mostly only" grammatically correct?

Yes, "is mostly only" is grammatically acceptable. However, it's important to use it in contexts where the emphasis on limitation is appropriate. Ludwig AI considers this phrase acceptable.

What's the difference between "is mostly only" and "is mainly"?

"Is mainly" indicates a primary focus, while "is mostly only" emphasizes a restriction or limitation to a specific area or group. The choice depends on whether you want to highlight the primary aspect or the limited scope.