mostly just

USAGE SUMMARY

'mostly just' is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to emphasize that most of something is one particular thing, with a few exceptions. For example: "I'm mostly just interested in classic films, with a few exceptions for newer films I like."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Mostly just cops.

The New Yorker

But mostly just different.

The New York Times - Sports

But mostly just reviled.

Independent

I was mostly just joking.

The New Yorker

"Mostly just prime-era stuff," he reported.

The New Yorker

The result: mostly just sugar and water.

Independent

We mostly just enjoy being householders together.

The New York Times

Clinton mostly just ignores them.

The New Yorker

But they're mostly just dazed.

The Guardian

"It was mostly just drinking".

The New York Times - Travel

Thinking is mostly just rationalization, mostly just a search for supporting evidence".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mostly just" to clearly indicate a primary focus or characteristic, while acknowledging that there may be minor exceptions or additional elements. This helps in conveying a nuanced yet concise message.

Common error

Avoid using "mostly just" when the exceptions are significant or frequent. If the exceptions undermine the primary characteristic, consider using a different phrase that more accurately reflects the balance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mostly just" functions as an adverbial modifier, qualifying the verb or action it precedes. It serves to limit or qualify the statement, indicating that while something is generally true, there may be exceptions or additional factors. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "mostly just" is a versatile adverbial modifier used to qualify statements and provide a sense of proportion, acknowledging that something is generally true while allowing for exceptions. As noted by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in neutral contexts, particularly in news and media. When employing "mostly just", ensure the exceptions are not so substantial that they undermine the primary assertion. Instead, use "mostly just" to add precision and avoid overgeneralizations, adding detail to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

largely only

Indicates something is mainly or to a great extent only a certain thing.

primarily simply

Suggests a basic or straightforward focus, with simplicity as the main element.

mainly simply

Expresses a focus that is basic, clear, and uncomplicated.

predominantly only

Emphasizes the overwhelming presence of a single aspect or element.

chiefly only

Highlights the main or principal aspect with limited secondary elements.

generally only

Focuses on what is usually the case, though there might be exceptions.

almost exclusively

Suggests that something is nearly entirely one thing, with very few exceptions.

essentially only

Highlights the fundamental and almost sole nature of something.

almost solely

Focuses on singularity of an action or characteristic.

mainly about

Focuses on the central topic or subject being discussed.

FAQs

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

Use "mostly just" to indicate that something is primarily one thing but not entirely. For example, "The meeting was "mostly just" an update on the project's progress" suggests that there might have been other minor topics discussed, but the main focus was the update.

What are some alternatives to "mostly just"?

Alternatives include "mainly simply", "primarily simply", or "largely only". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "mostly just" formal or informal?

"Mostly just" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both informal and formal contexts, although more formal writing might benefit from more precise language depending on the specific purpose and audience.

What's the difference between "mostly just" and "only"?

"Only" implies exclusivity, whereas "mostly just" indicates a primary focus while allowing for exceptions. For example, "I only eat vegetables" means nothing else, but "I "mostly just" eat vegetables" suggests you eat other things occasionally.