mostly because a

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mostly because a" is not correct and is incomplete in written English.
It can be used when explaining reasons or justifications, but it requires additional context to be meaningful. Example: "I chose this option mostly because a better opportunity presented itself."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

That number seems much more plausible, mostly because A) that's what most 12.1-inch screens are listed at and B) 1360×768 isn't even a real resolution – it should be 1366×768 instead.

TechCrunch

He did allow an unearned run, mostly because a runner advanced twice on passed balls.

The New York Times - Sports

We opted to visit Wölffer Estate Vineyard, mostly because a friend said I would enjoy the Tuscan-style tasting room with a deck and view of manicured cypress trees and meticulously kept vines.

The New York Times - Arts

Manager Joe Girardi said the Yankees had a "low level of concern" for Sabathia, the left-handed ace of the staff, mostly because a recent magnetic resonance imaging test showed no structural damage.

The New York Times - Sports

But mostly because a nuclear-armed North Korea would be a threat not just to Asia, but to all.The plutonium in the woodpileYet even a fully financed project could still founder.

The Economist

At the moment it's beginning to talk the talk, but the footwork is still failing, mostly because a bit of honesty and a few U-turns are required, and most cardinals and bishops aren't yet ready for that.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Let's peg the age of remembering-political-things-over-the-long-term at 11, mostly because an old study involved 11-year-olds.

The Washington Post

Turner, he said, was not a prototypical shooting guard, mostly because of a suspect jump shot.

The New York Times

Stephen Baker, a NPD analyst, said this was mostly because of a drop in price.

The New York Times

But in the end, Jason thinks, he stopped cooking mostly because of a girl.

The New Yorker

In its latest quarter BlackBerry lost $965m, mostly because of a write-down of unsold phones.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always complete the phrase with a full clause to ensure grammatical correctness and clarity. For example: "The project succeeded, mostly because a dedicated team worked tirelessly."

Common error

Avoid using "mostly because a" without finishing the sentence, as it leaves the reader anticipating a missing explanation. This can create confusion and weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mostly because a" functions as a causal connector, introducing a reason or explanation. However, as Ludwig AI indicates, it is often incomplete and requires additional context to be grammatically sound. It sets up a cause-and-effect relationship but needs completion to fully convey its meaning.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

24%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "mostly because a" functions as a causal connector to introduce an explanation or justification. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's generally considered grammatically "incorrect" due to its incomplete nature and dependence on further context. The phrase commonly appears in News & Media, and Science sources. When using this phrase, ensure you always complete the sentence with a clear explanation. Alternatives like "primarily due to a", "mainly on account of a", or "largely as a result of a" often provide a more grammatically complete and clear way to express causality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primarily due to a

Emphasizes the main cause, similar to "mostly because a", but provides a more complete grammatical structure.

mainly on account of a

Indicates the principal reason for something, offering a slightly more formal tone.

largely as a result of a

Highlights the outcome of a cause, providing a clearer cause-and-effect relationship.

predominantly because of a

Stresses the prevailing reason, with a more emphatic tone than "mostly because a".

chiefly owing to a

Introduces a formal justification, emphasizing the reason as a debt or obligation.

principally through a

Focuses on the method or means by which something occurs, rather than the direct cause.

generally stemming from a

Indicates the origin or source of something, suggesting a gradual development.

typically arising from a

Points to a common or usual cause, implying a pattern or regularity.

fundamentally based on a

Highlights the underlying or essential reason, emphasizing the foundational aspect.

essentially attributed to a

Identifies the core factor to which something is credited, providing a more definitive attribution.

FAQs

How can I properly use "mostly because a" in a sentence?

To correctly use "mostly because a", ensure you complete the phrase with a clause that provides a clear explanation or reason. For example: "I chose this option mostly because a better opportunity presented itself."

What are some alternatives to "mostly because a"?

You can use alternatives such as "primarily due to a", "mainly on account of a", or "largely as a result of a" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "mostly because a"?

While you might find examples, starting a sentence with "mostly because a" is generally not recommended as it often leads to incomplete and grammatically awkward constructions. It is better to include it inside the sentence.

What's the difference between "mostly because a" and "mostly because of a"?

"Mostly because of a" is more grammatically sound because "of" functions as a preposition linking "because" to a noun or pronoun. "Mostly because a" requires careful completion to avoid sounding incomplete.