it was mostly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was mostly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something was primarily or largely the case, but not entirely so. Example: "The event was a success, but it was mostly due to the hard work of the volunteers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It was mostly knitwear.

The New York Times

It was, mostly, a relief.

The New York Times

It was mostly enormous fun.

Independent

But it was mostly Aris.

The New York Times

it was mostly about immigration.

The Guardian

It was mostly true, too.

The New York Times - Sports

Honestly, it was mostly new.

The New York Times

Instead, it was mostly basketball.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It was mostly an act.

The New York Times - Sports

(And it was, mostly, clean).

The New Yorker

"It was mostly hockey talk".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was mostly" to indicate a general trend or dominant characteristic without implying absoluteness. For example, "The feedback on the project was mostly positive, though some areas need improvement."

Common error

Avoid using "it was mostly" when precision is crucial. If exact percentages or quantities are known, provide specific data instead of relying on a general statement.

Linguistic Context

It was mostly functions as an introductory phrase or clause element, modifying the main part of the sentence. It serves to qualify a statement, indicating that something was generally true but not necessarily in every instance. As confirmed by Ludwig, this usage is grammatically correct and commonly found in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

15%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was mostly" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to indicate that something was generally true but not absolutely so. As confirmed by Ludwig, its versatility is demonstrated through its presence across diverse sources such as news outlets, academic papers, and casual blogs. When employing this phrase, aim for clear qualifications and consider whether more precise data might strengthen your statement. Remember that the phrase carries a neutral tone making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was primarily

Replaces "mostly" with "primarily", emphasizing the main aspect.

it was largely

Uses "largely" to convey a significant portion or extent.

it was predominantly

Emphasizes the dominant nature of something.

it was mainly

Uses "mainly" to highlight the principal element.

it was chiefly

Replaces "mostly" with "chiefly", indicating the principal reason or element.

it was generally

Indicates something was true in most cases.

it was substantially

Highlights a considerable amount or degree.

it was significantly

Emphasizes the notable extent or degree.

for the most part, it was

Adds a qualifier to emphasize the overall situation.

it was, on the whole

Introduces a summarizing perspective.

FAQs

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

The phrase "it was mostly" indicates that something was primarily or largely the case, but not entirely so. For example, "The event was a success, but "it was mostly" due to the hard work of the volunteers."

What can I say instead of "it was mostly"?

You can use alternatives like "it was primarily", "it was largely", or "it was predominantly" depending on the context.

Is "it was mostly" formal or informal?

"It was mostly" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more precise language may be preferred in highly formal or academic writing.

What's the difference between "it was mostly" and "it was entirely"?

"It was mostly" suggests that something was true to a great extent but not completely, whereas "it was entirely" indicates that something was completely and without exception the case.