most lightly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'most lightly' is not correct and cannot be used in written English.
The phrase you are looking for is 'most likely'. For example, "Most likely, it will rain tomorrow."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

Partly as a result, information technology has been one of the country's most lightly regulated industries.

The New Yorker

It is one of the most lightly taxed countries in the world.

The Economist

Slovakia vies with the Baltic states for the title of the EU's most lightly taxed country.

The Economist

Little wonder information technology has become one of the western world's most lightly regulated industries.

The Guardian - Opinion

The state is one of the most lightly taxed in the country.

The New York Times

The most lightly loaded sample oxidizes CO 115 times faster than bulk CuO on a per gram CuO basis.

Catalysis Today

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

And most are lightly guarded.

The New York Times - Science

Most recipes lightly steam the asparagus first (with times varying from Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's three minutes to Nigel Slater's seven-eight in Tender) but chef Marcus Bean's version for the British Asparagus growers' association chargrills the spears instead.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In Constantius's realm (Britain and Gaul) the persecution was, at most, only lightly enforced; in Maximian's realm (Italy, Spain, and Africa), it was firmly enforced; and in the East, under Diocletian (Asia Minor, Syria, Palestine and Egypt) and Galerius (Greece and the Balkans), its provisions were pursued with more fervor than anywhere else.

Wikipedia

The WKB region is located in BC's interior and is characterized by dispersed and, for the most part, lightly populated small cities and towns spread throughout a mountainous area (see Figure 1).

BMC Palliative Care

Genocide is not a word most people use lightly.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the degree to which something is loaded or burdened, use "least heavily" or "most lightly loaded" for clarity. Always check the intended meaning to ensure accurate word choice.

Common error

Avoid using "most lightly" when you mean "most likely". "Most likely" indicates probability, while "most lightly" describes a minimal weight or burden. For example, instead of saying "The project will most lightly succeed", say "The project will "most likely" succeed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "most lightly" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the degree to which something is done or affected. However, as Ludwig AI points out, this phrase may not always be the most grammatically correct or clear choice in written English. It is frequently seen modifying verbs or adjectives to express minimal impact or burden.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

20%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "most lightly" is used to describe something done with minimal weight or impact. Ludwig AI notes that while the phrase appears quite often, especially in news and academic contexts, it is often not the most grammatically sound choice. Consider using alternatives like "least heavily", "with the lightest touch", or "superficially" for clarity and accuracy. Common errors include confusing it with ""most likely"", which indicates probability. Despite its frequent use, careful consideration is necessary to ensure grammatical correctness and intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

least heavily

Emphasizes the minimal amount of weight or impact, focusing on the lower end of a scale.

with the lightest touch

Highlights the gentleness and delicacy of an action or approach.

in the gentlest manner

Focuses on the mildness and tenderness of an action or behavior.

negligibly

Indicates an insignificant or barely noticeable amount.

superficially

Suggests a shallow or surface-level engagement.

easiest to

Focuses on actions that are simple and free from encumbrance or burden.

most likely

Indicates the highest probability of something occurring, focusing on the likeliest outcome.

minimally

Highlights the lowest degree or extent of something.

in a carefree way

Focuses on acting without stress or responsibilities.

unburdened by

Highlights the absence of cares or heavy thoughts.

FAQs

What does "most lightly" mean?

"Most lightly" describes something that is burdened or loaded to the smallest degree. However, it's often misused and should be checked for correct context.

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

Ensure the sentence's context clearly indicates minimal burden or weight, such as "The "most lightly loaded" sample oxidizes CO 115 times faster than bulk CuO". Always verify that this is the intended meaning.

What can I say instead of "most lightly"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "least heavily", "with the lightest touch", or "superficially". Always choose the alternative that accurately reflects the intended meaning.

When is it appropriate to use "most likely" instead of "most lightly"?

Use ""most likely"" when you want to express probability or the highest likelihood of something happening, not to describe minimal weight or burden.