mostly safe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mostly safe" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or object that is generally considered safe, but with some minor risks or exceptions. Example: "While the hiking trail is mostly safe, there are a few areas where caution is advised due to loose rocks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Nowadays, your summer tentpoles are mostly safe superhero money-spinners.

The Guardian - Film

It's true, widely traded agricultural futures suggest such markets can be mostly safe.

The New York Times

Even more unusually, the senior citizens of the place are mostly safe.

The New Yorker

Mistaking a "mostly" safe asset for a genuinely safe one is worse than simply using a risky asset.

The Economist

In central, north and northeastern Afghanistan, the Northern Alliance controls the countryside and the roads are mostly safe from bandits.

The New York Times

People who want genuinely safe assets are not helped by using things that are only sometimes safe, or even "mostly" safe, which is similar to the difference between being dead and being "mostly dead".

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

AIG is mostly a safe, well-run insurer.

The Economist

Traditionally, the Fed's balance sheet has mostly comprised safe Treasury-securities.

The New York Times

The financial engineers persuaded people that big risks could be financed mostly through safe investments.

The New York Times

With Romo out, Dallas throttled back the playbook for backup Stephen McGee, who threw mostly short, safe passes.

The New York Times - Sports

She said that while she mostly felt safe in Bridlington, she was constantly aware that she could be cat-called.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mostly safe", specify the exceptions or limitations to the safety being described to provide a more accurate and transparent assessment. For example, instead of saying "The neighborhood is mostly safe", you could say "The neighborhood is mostly safe, but caution is advised at night."

Common error

Avoid using "mostly safe" when the risks are significant or potentially severe, as it can downplay the actual danger. Choose a more cautious phrasing like "potentially hazardous" or "risky" if the situation warrants it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mostly safe" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. Ludwig AI data suggests that it is used to describe something as generally secure while acknowledging potential risks or exceptions. This usage aligns with Ludwig's assessment that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mostly safe" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe something that is generally secure but not without potential risks. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's readily usable in various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Science. When using "mostly safe", it's crucial to specify the limitations or exceptions to the safety being described to provide a complete picture. Alternatives like "largely secure" or "generally secure" can also be considered to add variety to your writing. Remember to avoid overstating the level of safety, and select a more cautious phrasing when significant risks are present.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

largely secure

Indicates a high degree of security, with perhaps minor vulnerabilities.

generally secure

Emphasizes an overall sense of security, though not absolute.

relatively safe

Highlights that safety is present in comparison to other situations.

mostly secure

Almost completely secure; small security holes may still be possible.

reasonably safe

Suggests an acceptable level of safety under normal circumstances.

largely protected

Focuses on the protective measures in place, indicating a high level of defense.

predominantly secure

A majority of the thing in question is secure; some limited security may exist.

practically safe

Suggests that the safety is more theoretical than tested in the real world.

comparatively secure

Points to enhanced security when put next to comparable subjects.

moderately secure

Highlights the level of the security is not fully secure, but also not completely unsafe.

FAQs

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

You can use "mostly safe" to describe something that is generally considered safe, but with some minor risks or exceptions. For example: "While the hiking trail is "mostly safe", there are a few areas where caution is advised."

What are some alternatives to "mostly safe"?

Some alternatives include "largely secure", "generally secure", or "relatively safe", depending on the context and the nuance you want to convey.

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

When something is described as "mostly safe", it implies that the risks are minimal and manageable, but not entirely absent. It's a way of acknowledging potential hazards while still conveying a sense of security.

Is there a difference between "mostly safe" and "completely safe"?

Yes, "completely safe" suggests there are absolutely no risks involved, which is often unrealistic. "Mostly safe" acknowledges that some level of risk might exist, but that it is generally low and acceptable.