mostly positive

USAGE SUMMARY

'mostly positive' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that is mostly positive but perhaps contains elements of negativity. For example, a reviewer might say, "The movie was mostly positive, but there were a few plot holes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It's been mostly positive.

The Guardian - Books

"It's mostly positive thinking.

The New York Times

"We've gotten mostly positive comments".

The New York Times

It's complicated, but mostly positive.

The New York Times - Magazine

The response has been mostly positive.

The New York Times - Arts

Still, the anecdotal evidence is mostly positive.

The New York Times

The economic data Friday was mostly positive.

The New York Times

Reviews have so far been mostly positive.

The Guardian - Film

The initial reaction to the plan was mostly positive.

The New York Times

"Drug use is deeply widespread," he writes, "and mostly positive".

The Guardian - Books

Viewed from that perspective, the signs were mostly positive.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mostly positive", be prepared to briefly address the negative aspects to provide a balanced perspective. This adds credibility to your assessment.

Common error

Avoid using "mostly positive" when the situation is overwhelmingly positive. Using it in such cases can create unnecessary doubt or appear insincere. If something is genuinely excellent, state it directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mostly positive" functions as an adjective phrase that typically modifies nouns or pronouns, describing a quality or characteristic. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this function, confirming its grammatical role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

41%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mostly positive" is a versatile and commonly used adjective phrase that conveys an overall favorable impression while acknowledging the existence of some negative elements. As evidenced by Ludwig's numerous examples, it appears frequently in news, media, and encyclopedic contexts. The analysis confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for neutral registers. When using "mostly positive", it is helpful to briefly address the negative aspects to give a balanced point of view.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

largely favorable

This alternative focuses on the 'favorable' aspect, which can suggest that things are mainly good with minimal negativity.

generally optimistic

Shifts the focus to expectations, implying a good outlook is likely, but without guaranteeing complete success.

predominantly encouraging

Emphasizes the motivational aspect, suggesting that the situation is inspiring or supportive in most aspects.

on the whole, promising

Indicates an assessment of the total situation as pointing towards a positive future.

chiefly advantageous

Highlights that benefits outweigh drawbacks; suitable for situations with clear gains.

fundamentally affirmative

This alternative stresses a basic agreement or approval, though minor issues may exist.

largely in agreement

Focuses on the consensus aspect, pointing out widespread approval with only minor dissension.

mostly acceptable

Signals tolerance more than enthusiasm; good for compromises or outcomes that are adequate but not ideal.

substantially improved

This highlights progress and positive change, rather than a static state.

net positive

This economic term directly suggests a positive balance after accounting for negatives; very concise.

FAQs

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

You can use "mostly positive" to describe an outcome, review, or reaction that is generally favorable but may have some negative elements. For example, "The feedback on the new product has been mostly positive".

What are some alternatives to "mostly positive"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "largely favorable", "generally optimistic", or "predominantly encouraging".

Is it better to say "mostly positive" or "completely positive"?

The choice depends on accuracy. Use "mostly positive" when there are minor drawbacks or criticisms. If there are no negatives, "completely positive" is appropriate.

What does it mean when something is described as "mostly positive"?

It indicates that the overall assessment is good, but there are some less favorable aspects or areas for improvement. It's not entirely perfect, but generally well-received.