mostly but

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mostly but" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is generally true with an exception or a contrasting point that follows. Example: "The project is mostly but not entirely finished, as we still need to finalize the budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Mostly, but not quite.

The Guardian - Opinion

THE CROWD Mostly but not exclusively adult.

The New York Times

Those are minor pictures, mostly, but intriguing.

The New York Times - Arts

The people are mostly but not exactly the same people.

The New Yorker

E.G: I listen to mostly, but not exclusively, classical music.

The New York Times

Mr. Clinton's presence was mostly but not universally welcomed here.

The New York Times

— and her answers are mostly but not always sardonic.

The New Yorker

The culture of urbex is mostly but not overwhelmingly male.

The Guardian - Books

Minneapolis is mostly but not wholly on the right bank, St . Paulmostly but not wholly on the left.

The New York Times - Arts

Charter flights fall mostly, but not invariably, into the latter category.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Mostly, but not always, because I'm the one who causes it".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mostly but", ensure the contrasting element introduced by "but" is clear and specific to maintain the sentence's clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "mostly but" when the exception nearly equals or outweighs the primary claim. In such cases, consider rephrasing to provide a more balanced perspective or using a different connective phrase altogether.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mostly but" functions as a conjunctional phrase that connects two contrasting ideas. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, serving to qualify a preceding statement with an exception or limitation. This allows for nuanced expression, acknowledging both a general trend and a specific deviation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

28%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mostly but" is a grammatically sound and frequently used conjunction phrase that serves to introduce a contrast or qualification to a general statement. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability across diverse contexts. It appears most commonly in News & Media and Science sources, maintaining a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using this phrase, ensure the contrasting element is clear and specific to avoid ambiguity and overgeneralization. Alternatives such as "generally although" or "primarily however" can provide nuanced substitutions. Overall, "mostly but" is a reliable tool for expressing complex ideas with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generally although

Uses "generally" instead of "mostly" to convey a broad truth, and "although" introduces a contrasting element.

primarily however

Replaces "mostly" with "primarily" to emphasize the main aspect, while "however" introduces a contrast.

typically but

"Typically" replaces "mostly" to indicate a common occurrence, with "but" providing the contrast.

largely yet

"Largely" substitutes "mostly", indicating a significant portion, and "yet" provides a simple contrast.

chiefly but

"Chiefly" is used instead of "mostly" to emphasize the main element, while "but" provides a simple contrast.

mainly still

"Mainly" replaces "mostly" to highlight the principal component, with "still" adding a sense of continuation despite the contrast.

ordinarily although

Substitutes "mostly" with "ordinarily" to denote a usual condition, and "although" introduces a contrasting idea.

predominantly nevertheless

"Predominantly" emphasizes the major aspect, while "nevertheless" introduces a strong contrast.

for the most part however

This longer phrase provides a more formal way to express "mostly", with "however" adding the contrast.

in general however

Uses "in general" to convey a broad overview, and "however" introduces a contrasting point.

FAQs

How can I use "mostly but" in a sentence?

You can use "mostly but" to indicate that something is generally true, with a notable exception. For example, "The project is mostly but not entirely finished."

What are some alternatives to "mostly but"?

Alternatives include "generally although", "primarily however", or "largely yet" depending on the specific context.

Is "mostly but" grammatically correct?

Yes, "mostly but" is grammatically correct and commonly used to introduce a contrast to a general statement.

What is the difference between "mostly but" and "mainly but"?

While both are similar, "mostly" implies a larger proportion than "mainly". You can use "mainly but" when the primary aspect is more focused or specific.