mostly only

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mostly only" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to denote that something occurs almost exclusively. For example, "She mostly only wears dresses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mostly only assholes made it out.

The New Yorker

Bouts were mostly only three rounds, five minutes each.

The New York Times - Sports

But she mostly only goes out for medical appointments.

The Guardian

It's not at all touristy because it is mostly only visited by walkers.

The Guardian - Travel

She loved to travel, but mostly only with or where there was family.

The New York Times

But they are mostly only accessible by boat, and you may need to book in advance.

The Guardian - Travel

However, in science the researcher is mostly (only?) evaluated on the latter.

The Guardian

She longed for intelligent and frank conversation, which mostly only her brother provided.

The New York Times - Books

At the moment these online TV services can mostly only be accessed via a computer screen.

The Guardian

His voice has, up to now, mostly only been available through the medium of rap.

The Guardian - Opinion

They found, to mostly only their surprise, that rail privatisation has been a disaster.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mostly only" to indicate that something happens predominantly in a certain way or to a certain extent, but not exclusively. This allows for nuances and exceptions.

Common error

Avoid using "mostly only" when you need to convey complete exclusivity. In situations where something is absolutely the sole factor or condition, opt for phrases like "exclusively" or "solely" to prevent misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mostly only" functions as an adverbial modifier, limiting the scope of a statement. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is valid and common in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "mostly only" serves as an adverbial modifier, used to express that something is generally true, but not exclusively so. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used. It appears across a range of contexts, from news and media to scientific publications, rendering it appropriate for neutral and general communication. Remember to use it when you want to indicate a primary but not absolute condition. While "mostly only" is quite common, it's important to avoid overstating exclusivity; when complete exclusivity is intended, alternatives like "exclusively" or "solely" are more appropriate. When in doubt, Ludwig can help you determine the best phrase for your specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost exclusively

Highlights a near-total focus, with very few exceptions.

generally only

Indicates something is true in most cases, but there can be exceptions.

predominantly solely

Stresses the prevailing nature of a singular aspect, although not entirely.

primarily only

Suggests the focus is on one thing, but others are not entirely excluded.

virtually solely

Implies the exclusion of all others, though perhaps not absolutely.

chiefly just

Highlights the main or principal component, with other considerations secondary.

mainly just

Conveys a sense of simplicity and focus, often in informal contexts.

typically just

Indicates a usual or common occurrence with the possibility of variance.

essentially just

Implies that something is fundamentally one thing, with other aspects less important.

largely limited to

Emphasizes a restriction or boundary that is mostly adhered to.

FAQs

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

Use "mostly only" to indicate that something is primarily, but not exclusively, true. For example, "The restaurant is "mostly only" open on weekends" suggests it might have limited weekday hours.

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

"Mostly only" suggests something is primarily true but allows for exceptions, while "exclusively" indicates something is solely and completely true without any exceptions.

Which is correct, "mostly only" or "almost only"?

Both phrases are acceptable, but "mostly only" is more common and idiomatic in written English. "Almost only" can sound slightly awkward.

What can I say instead of "mostly only"?

You can use alternatives like "generally only", "primarily only", or "almost exclusively" depending on the context.