mostly that

USAGE SUMMARY

The use of 'mostly that' depends on the context of the sentence.
It is a common phrase used to indicate that something is mainly the case. For example, "I think it's mostly that the weather has been so unpredictable lately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mostly, that is true.

The New York Times

Mostly, that means fat, fat and fat.

The Guardian

Mostly that was because of the show's convoluted comedy plots.

The New York Times

Mostly, that is good news, as securitisation can reduce the cost of borrowing.

The Economist

Mostly, that means tossing kisses and doubles entendres at tender young men.

The New York Times - Arts

Mostly that solace comes from language, whether it be literature or everyday wisdom.

The Guardian - Books

Mostly that means that I try not to put easily filched valuables in the bag.

The New York Times

Mostly, that is because Comcast has bid for only one part of AT&T.

The New York Times

People thought Frazier slurred, too, but mostly that was the Gullah dialect from his childhood home in coastal South Carolina.

The New York Times - Sports

And mostly that sounds like pure fantasy.

TechCrunch

Mostly, that is because of its smaller form factor.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mostly that" to introduce a clarification or explanation, ensuring it logically follows the preceding statement.

Common error

Avoid starting sentences with "mostly that" without a clear reference point in the prior context. It functions best as a connector to elaborate on a previous idea, not as an independent clause.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mostly that" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, serving to connect and elaborate on a preceding clause. It introduces a reason, explanation, or clarification. As Ludwig AI highlights, its use depends on the context of the sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "mostly that" functions as a connective adverbial, providing a reason or clarification to a preceding statement. Ludwig AI identifies it as a common phrase used to indicate something is mainly the case. Its usage is prevalent in news and media, maintaining a neutral register suitable for professional communication. When using this phrase, ensure it logically connects to the prior context to avoid awkward phrasing. Alternatives include "mainly that" or "primarily that", offering similar meanings with slight nuances. While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "mostly that" should be done carefully to maintain clarity and flow.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primarily that

Emphasizes the primary reason or aspect.

mainly that

Highlights the main point or factor.

largely that

Indicates a significant portion or aspect.

chiefly that

Stresses the most important or prominent reason.

generally that

Indicates that something is true in most cases but not necessarily all.

for the most part that

Highlights that something is true with only minor exceptions.

in essence that

Captures the fundamental nature or core of something.

fundamentally that

Focuses on the basic or essential aspect.

at its core that

Points to the underlying reason or truth.

basically that

Emphasizes the simple or essential components.

FAQs

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

Use "mostly that" to elaborate or clarify a previous statement. For example, "The project succeeded; "mostly that" the team collaborated effectively."

What can I say instead of "mostly that"?

You can use alternatives like "mainly that", "primarily that", or "largely that" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "mostly that"?

While grammatically acceptable in certain contexts, starting a sentence with "mostly that" can sound awkward if there's no clear preceding reference. It's better used to connect and expand on a previous thought.

What's the difference between "mostly that" and "in general"?

"Mostly that" provides a specific reason or clarification, while "in general" refers to a broader trend or pattern. For example, "The problems were caused by technical issues, "mostly that" the server crashed frequently", versus "In general, the system works well".