mostly different

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mostly different" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has significant differences but also shares some similarities. Example: "The two reports are mostly different, with only a few sections that overlap in content."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's mostly different in what it returns.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

In each, a mostly different set of genes had been favored by natural selection.

The New York Times - Science

There is a danger when a director restages a production with a mostly different cast.

The New York Times

This third version has a mostly different cast and is a further refinement.

The New York Times

The companies involved in the Australian and American accidents are mostly different.

The New York Times

Local soil terminology was mostly different for all four villages as well as across ethnic groups.

Geoderma

(Burke) ★ Kings of the Dance (Friday through Sunday) The Kings are back — well, mostly different ones, but no matter.

The New York Times - Arts

The genes under selective pressure found in one continent-based population or race are mostly different from those that occur in the others.

The New York Times - Science

If we avoid starting from the confusion, the situation is simple: Android contains Linux, but not GNU; thus, Android and GNU/Linux are mostly different.

The Guardian - Tech

Work by 13 individuals and ensembles will be seen in two mostly different programs with audiences voting for those they wish to perform again in February.

The New York Times

Now the partners are mostly different, but the one-for-all and all-for-one philosophy is the same, and the hits have kept coming.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mostly different", ensure the context makes it clear what aspects are different and what, if any, aspects are similar. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "mostly different" when the items being compared are almost entirely dissimilar. In such cases, phrases like "completely different" or "entirely distinct" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mostly different" functions as a qualifier, modifying a noun or noun phrase to indicate that the items being compared are largely dissimilar but may share some characteristics. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

49%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mostly different" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to indicate a significant degree of dissimilarity between two or more things while acknowledging potential similarities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a qualifier with a neutral tone and is frequently found in "News & Media" and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the context specifies which aspects differ and which, if any, are similar. Alternative expressions include "largely distinct" and "primarily dissimilar", which can add nuance depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mostly dissimilar

A direct synonym, emphasizing the prevalence of differences.

largely distinct

Emphasizes the extent of the difference, suggesting a substantial degree of dissimilarity.

noticeably different

Emphasizes that the differences are easy to observe.

primarily dissimilar

Highlights the fundamental differences, implying that the core aspects are not alike.

substantially varied

Focuses on the variety between the compared items or concepts.

considerably diverse

Highlights the range and variety of differences.

markedly contrasting

Highlights the obvious and noticeable differences.

distinctly contrasting

Similar to markedly contrasting, with a strong emphasis on clear differences.

significantly divergent

Implies a considerable deviation or departure from a common point.

appreciably distinct

Suggests that the differences are noticeable and important.

FAQs

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

You can use "mostly different" to describe two or more things that share few similarities. For example, "The two reports are "mostly different", with only a few sections that overlap in content."

What's the difference between "mostly different" and "completely different"?

"Mostly different" implies that there are some similarities, while "completely different" suggests there are no similarities at all. Choose the phrase that accurately reflects the degree of dissimilarity.

Which is correct, "mostly different" or "most different"?

"Mostly different" is the correct and idiomatic phrase to indicate a significant degree of difference. "Most different" is grammatically incorrect in this context.

What can I say instead of "mostly different"?

You can use alternatives like "largely distinct", "primarily dissimilar", or "significantly divergent" depending on the context.