What is mostly? Pronunciation and usage in English

mostly means . Learn how to pronounce and use mostly through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of mostly

mostlyadverb

/ˈməʊs(t)li/
Definition & pronunciation of mostly

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "mostly" in English. It's a tricky one for learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • ** /ˈmɒʊstli/ (American English)** - This is how it’s typically said in the United States.
    • ˈmɒʊst - This part sounds like "most" but with a slightly more open "o" sound, almost like "moost." The "o" is a rounded vowel.
    • -li - This is a common suffix that adds the "-ly" sound, similar to "lovely" or "friendly." It's a quick, slight "lee" sound.

British English Pronunciation:

  • ** /ˈmɒːstli/ (British English)** - This pronunciation is more common in the UK.
    • ˈmɒːst - The "o" is a longer, deeper, and rounder "o" sound – a bit more pronounced than in American English. It’s close to the "o" in "caught."
    • -li - The same as above - a quick “lee” sound.

Here's a helpful breakdown of the sounds:

  • "moost" - Focus on the rounded "o" sound.
  • "lee" - A quick, light "l" sound.

Resources to hear the pronunciation:

  • Google Translate: Type "mostly" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon. You’ll hear both American and British pronunciations.
  • Forvo: [https://forvo.com/word/%C3%9 Bemostly/](https://forvo.com/word/%C3%9 Bemostly/) - This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce the word from different regions.
  • YouTube: Search YouTube for "how to pronounce mostly" – you'll find many videos demonstrating the pronunciation.

To help me tailor my explanation further, could you tell me:

  • Where are you located (generally)? (e.g., United States, United Kingdom, Australia, etc.) Knowing your location helps me give you the most relevant pronunciation.

Usage and examples with the word mostly in English

Let's break down how to use "mostly" in English. It's a really common and useful word, but it has a specific nuance. Here's a breakdown:

1. Basic Meaning: Primarily or Mainly

At its core, "mostly" means "primarily," "mainly," or "for the most part." It indicates that something is true in the majority of cases, but with a few exceptions.

  • Example: "I mostly eat vegetables for dinner." (This means you eat vegetables most nights, but occasionally have other things too.)
  • Example: "She mostly lives in London, but she travels quite a bit." (She spends the majority of her time in London, but she does go away.)

2. Placement - Where it goes in the Sentence

The placement of "mostly" can change the emphasis slightly:

  • Before the verb (most common): This is the most frequent and natural way to use "mostly."

    • Example: "Mostly, I enjoy reading."
    • Example: "He mostly works from home."

  • After the verb (less common, often with "do"): This can add a touch of conversational formality, or emphasize the doing of something.

    • Example: "I do mostly research for my job." (Emphasizes the research aspect.)
    • Example: "She mostly speaks Spanish." (Highlights her speaking ability.)

3. Using "Mostly" with Negatives

"Mostly" is frequently used with negative words like "not," "never," and "rarely."

  • Example: "I mostly don't like spicy food." (I don't like spicy food - it's the dominant feeling.)
  • Example: "He rarely mostly goes to the gym." (He rarely mostly goes, implying he sometimes goes.) – Note the double 'mostly' here, used for emphasis.

4. Adding Context and Nuance

  • It implies exceptions: “Mostly” always suggests there are some instances that don't fit the general statement. Don’t use it when you want to convey absolute certainty.
  • It’s softer than "always" or "never": It’s a more relaxed and less absolute way of describing a pattern.

5. Examples in Different Contexts:

  • Describing Habits: "He mostly drinks black coffee."
  • Describing Locations: "They mostly live in the countryside."
  • Describing Feelings: “I mostly feel happy today.”
  • Describing Preferences: “She mostly prefers classical music.”

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Using "mostly" excessively: If everything is mostly true, “mostly” loses its meaning. Try to use it where there's a significant, but not total, agreement.
  • Confusing "mostly" with "most": "Most" is an adjective (e.g., "most people"). "Mostly" is an adverb (modifying a verb).

Resources for More Practice:

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  • Are you interested in a specific example you're struggling with?
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Synonyms for the word mostly

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