What is mostly? Pronunciation and usage 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).

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Resources for More Practice:

• Grammarly Blog: https://www.grammarly.com/blog/mostly/ – A clear explanation of usage.
• EnglishClub: https://www.englishclub.com/grammar/adverbs-mostly.php – More details on grammar and examples.

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