mostly independent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mostly independent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is largely, but not entirely, independent or self-sufficient. Example: "The research team operates mostly independent of the university's funding, allowing them to pursue innovative projects."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I watch mostly independent films.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The graphic design is mostly independent and done by individuals.

The Guardian

These overlay networks, however, are mostly independent efforts, sharing nothing but the underlying IP infrastructure.

University of California, Berkeley

So, in 1993, the company hired mostly independent contractors to fill the gap.

The New York Times

The laboratory-based results are mostly independent of the method selected to obtain the distributions.

Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics

The interface between these two proteins is composed of several mostly independent modules.

Journal of Molecular Biology

They are mostly independent productions; when the film is made the team breaks up.

The Guardian - Film

Popupshop fits right in with the store's stock of other ethically responsible, and mostly independent, brands.

The New York Times

CD4 cell levels were slightly higher in the responder group, but mostly independent of virus rebound within the nonsponders.

Journal of Clinical Virology

The Gaussian Elimination algorithm is in fact an algorithm family — common implementations contain at least six (mostly independent) "design choices".

Science of Computer Programming

All sites received nitrogen (N) fertilizer at 170 195 kg N ha−1 and the N regimes were mostly independent.

Soil Biology and Biochemistry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mostly independent", consider the degree of independence you wish to convey. It implies that while something is largely self-governing or self-reliant, there might still be some connections or dependencies. Make sure your word choice reflects the accurate degree.

Common error

Avoid using "mostly independent" when describing something that is entirely self-sufficient. Using "completely independent" or "fully autonomous" would be more accurate in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mostly independent" functions as a modifier, specifically as an adverb-adjective combination. It serves to describe the degree or extent to which something exhibits independence. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "mostly independent" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adverb-adjective combination. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread application. It is effectively employed across diverse contexts to convey a nuanced understanding of independence, indicating a state that is largely autonomous but not entirely devoid of connections or dependencies. As shown in the examples, it is commonly used in science, news, and formal business settings. When using this phrase, ensure that the level of independence is accurately represented, and avoid using it to describe situations of complete self-sufficiency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

considerably independent

Indicates a notable or significant degree of independence.

largely autonomous

Emphasizes self-governance and freedom from external control to a great extent.

primarily self-sufficient

Highlights the ability to provide for one's own needs with minimal external assistance.

relatively self-determining

Suggests a degree of control over one's own course or actions in comparison to others.

substantially separate

Indicates a significant level of detachment or non-connection from something else.

mainly on its own

Highlights the state of being alone or without help, but not completely.

generally unassociated

Suggests a lack of connection or relationship in most cases.

mostly distinct

Focuses on the clear differentiation between two or more entities.

largely unaffiliated

Emphasizes the absence of a formal connection or membership.

principally isolated

Highlights the condition of being set apart or detached in the main.

FAQs

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

You can use "mostly independent" to describe something that is largely self-sufficient but not entirely so. For example, "The subsidiary operates as a "mostly independent" entity within the larger corporation".

What are some alternatives to saying "mostly independent"?

Alternatives to "mostly independent" include "largely autonomous", "primarily self-sufficient", or "relatively self-determining" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "mostly independent"?

Yes, "mostly independent" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe a state of relative independence, where something is largely but not entirely self-reliant or autonomous.

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

"Mostly independent" implies some degree of connection or reliance, while "completely independent" suggests total self-sufficiency without any external influence or dependence.