mostly vs mainly

Both 'mostly' and 'mainly' are adverbs that can be used to indicate a large part or majority of something. They are interchangeable in many contexts, but 'mostly' is more commonly used in informal situations, while 'mainly' is slightly more formal. The choice between them depends on the tone and style of your writing.

Last updated: April 07, 2024 • 565 views

The word 'mostly' is a common adverb used to indicate a large part or majority of something. It is widely accepted and understood in English.

"mostly"

You can use 'mostly' to describe something that happens most of the time or in the majority of cases. It is often used in informal contexts.

Examples:

I mostly eat vegetables for dinner.
She mostly enjoys reading mystery novels.
The event was mostly attended by young people.
He mostly works from home.
They mostly agree with the new policy.

Show examples from the web [+]

So their studies are mostly discredited.
I mostly fed and killed chickens.
His sets were mostly Japanese-style rooms.
Doctors are mostly judged by their hands.
Used mostly just for demolition these days.
These changes mostly affect tempo and orchestration.
Bounced around social services, mostly in England...
It's filled with unused pharmaceuticals, mostly oxycontin.
Handles cybercrimes, identity theft, mostly white collar stuff.
We had a fruit farm, peaches mostly.
The feeling is mutual, mostly.
Bruises and muscle strains, mostly.
Settlement sites were located mostly in places that offered natural protection.
Slightly worry, but, mostly happy.
His followers were 12,000 janissaries, mostly Albanians.
The AUC claims the victims were mostly guerrillas or sympathizers.
The crowd consists mostly of men .
The pandemic mostly killed young adults.
Properties are mostly used for inter-client communication.
Sonic Jam received mostly positive reviews.

Alternatives:

largely
chiefly
predominantly
principally
generally

The word 'mainly' is a valid adverb used to indicate a large part or majority of something. It is slightly more formal than 'mostly' and can be used in various contexts.

"mainly"

You can use 'mainly' to describe something that happens for the most part or is the primary focus. It is often used in more formal or professional contexts.

Examples:

The project is mainly focused on sustainability.
She mainly communicates through email.
The book is mainly about the history of art.
He mainly works in the marketing department.
They mainly travel for business.

Show examples from the web [+]

Today, cancer detection happens mainly when symptoms appear.
Person-to-person or animal-to-person disease transmission occurs mainly through contaminated water and food.
Zenker's diverticulum mainly affects older adults.
Focuses mainly on numerical simulations in water management.
Winds are usually moderate mainly from North-East and North.
The elephants feed mainly at night.
Its discography exceeds sixty recordings, mainly for Naxos.
John authored 60 volumes, mainly astronomical and astrological.
Karoline spent her remaining life mainly in Vienna.
Dion worked on new tracks mainly with David Foster.
Some animals are crepuscular mainly because their prey is.
His works mainly focus on Husserl's phenomenology.
Hoards containing mainly jewellery are typical for the Adlerberg group.
Ivory is mainly used for prayer rugs.
Aronson was mainly interested in microbiology and serology.
The metallic silver was mainly used for coinage.
Therefore, ampullary organs are mainly used for passive electrolocation.
Agag business activity within sports mainly focuses on motorsport and football.
Since 1923 he painted mainly landscapes and still-lives.
Prevention is mainly by vaccination with the pertussis vaccine.

Alternatives:

mostly
largely
chiefly
predominantly
principally

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mostly vs mainly

"mostly"

"mainly"

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