You often find yourself using the word “mostly,” but what if you had many better ways to say it? Words like mainly, chiefly, and primarily help you sound smarter and clearer. These words can improve your speaking and writing in no time.
1. Mainly
“Mainly” means the biggest reason or the most important part of something. It shows where most of the focus or amount is. For example, if you say, “I mainly eat vegetables,” it means most of the time you eat vegetables, but maybe sometimes other things too. This word is often used when talking about food, work, or time. A sentence like, “She is mainly responsible for the cleaning,” means she does most of it, but not all. This word helps focus attention on the largest part of something, without saying it’s 100%. Use “mainly” when you want to highlight the main portion or part of something you are explaining.
2. Chiefly
“Chiefly” means mostly or mainly, but it’s often used in formal or important situations. It shows that something is the top reason or biggest part. For example, “The festival is chiefly celebrated in spring” means spring is the main time the festival happens. It doesn’t mean it never happens in other seasons, just that spring is the most common. Another example: “He is chiefly known for his novels,” means his novels are the biggest reason he’s famous. Use “chiefly” to sound formal and to point out the most important or largest part of something clearly.
3. Primarily
“Primarily” means something is done or true for the main reason or main part. It’s like saying “first and most important.” For example, “This course is primarily for beginners” means beginners are the main people who should join. It doesn’t mean others can’t join, but they are not the main focus. Another sentence: “We primarily use this software for editing videos” tells us that video editing is the main job done with that software. It helps show your main purpose or focus. Use “primarily” to make your ideas clearer, especially when something has one big reason or use.
4. Predominantly
“Predominantly” means that something happens or appears more than anything else. It shows what is most common. For example, “The crowd was predominantly young” means most people were young, though some may not be. Another example: “This area is predominantly used for farming” tells us farming is the main activity here. The word is a little more formal and is often used in news or official reports. Still, it clearly points to the biggest part or most common feature. Use it when you want to emphasize what takes up most of a group or situation.
5. Largely
“Largely” is used to show that something is true for most of a part or group. For instance, if you say, “The project was largely successful,” you mean it was mostly a success, though there may have been small problems. Another example: “The room was largely empty,” means not completely empty, but almost. The word helps you point out a major part of something without making it sound absolute. It works well when you want to be honest and clear, showing the truth without sounding too strong or too weak.
6. Principally
“Principally” means mainly or first of all, and it often sounds a bit formal. If you say, “He is principally in charge of training,” it means his main duty is training. Another sentence: “This dish is principally made with rice and chicken” shows the main ingredients. You can use this word to talk about people, roles, jobs, or ingredients, and it shows what is most important in the situation. It’s a great way to focus attention on the primary part without ignoring the rest. It’s best used in writing or when being more serious.
7. Essentially
“Essentially” means something is true in its basic form or nature, even if there are a few small changes. For example, “This is essentially a simple recipe” means the recipe is simple, though there might be some extra steps. Another example: “He is essentially kind, even if he acts strict sometimes” shows the person’s basic nature. This word helps you explain that, deep down, something doesn’t change. It’s useful for sharing the most important truth while admitting there may be a few differences. Use it to describe the core idea or nature of something.
8. Generally
“Generally” means most of the time or in most cases. It’s a soft way to talk about something that’s true, but not always. For example, “I generally wake up at 7 AM” means that’s what usually happens, even if not every single day. Another sentence: “Dogs generally like to be around people” shows that this is a common truth. Use “generally” when you want to avoid being too strong or exact. It’s useful in everyday talk and also in writing, especially when you’re making a statement that has a few exceptions.
9. Broadly
“Broadly” means in a wide or general way. It doesn’t go into small details, but looks at the big picture. For instance, “Broadly speaking, people prefer sunny weather” shows a common idea, even if not true for everyone. Another sentence: “Broadly, the movie was well-received” means that overall, people liked it. You can use this word to explain ideas that are mostly true, without needing to be exact. It helps in discussions when you don’t want to focus too much on small parts but want to talk about the whole idea.
10. Overall
“Overall” means when you look at everything as a whole. It’s used to show the final idea after thinking about all parts. For example, “Overall, the trip was fun” means that even if there were small problems, it was good in general. Another sentence: “Overall, sales are up this year” tells us the general result after checking all data. Use “overall” when summing things up or giving a final opinion. It helps your listeners or readers understand the big picture without worrying about small ups and downs.
11. For the most part
“For the most part” means something is true in most cases, but not in all. If you say, “For the most part, the students did well,” it means most of them did well, but maybe a few didn’t. Another example: “The weather was good for the most part,” shows that it was mostly nice but not always. This phrase is very common in daily conversations and writing. Use it when you want to give a truthful view that sounds balanced and honest, showing something is mostly true with small exceptions.
12. By and large
“By and large” means mostly or in general. It’s another way of saying that something is true most of the time. For example, “By and large, people like the new policy” shows that most people agree, though some may not. Another example: “The team played well, by and large” means the whole team did good overall. This phrase is a little old-fashioned, but still useful in both writing and speaking. It helps to show a general idea without focusing on every small detail or problem.
13. In the main
“In the main” means something is mostly true or correct. It’s often used in formal writing or speech. For example, “The event went smoothly, in the main” means it was mostly fine. Another example: “In the main, customers were happy with the service.” It’s a neat phrase that gives a clean and simple way to say something was mostly good. Use it to sound thoughtful and polite while sharing an honest opinion. It works well when you’re not trying to be too exact or emotional.
14. To a great extent
“To a great extent” means something happens or is true in a big way. For example, “The book was, to a great extent, based on real events” shows that most parts came from real life. Another sentence: “We agree with the plan, to a great extent” means you agree with most of it, but maybe not every part. This phrase is useful in debates, reviews, or discussions where you want to say you mostly support or believe something. It adds a sense of seriousness while still leaving room for some differences.
15. In general
“In general” means something is true for most cases or people. If you say, “In general, cats are independent,” it shows that usually cats like to be alone, though not always. Another sentence: “In general, the class performed well on the test” means most students did well. It’s a simple phrase used in both writing and speaking to share a basic idea. It works well when you don’t want to be too specific but still want to explain what’s true for most situations.
16. Substantially
“Substantially” means a large amount or to a large degree. For example, “Prices have risen substantially” tells us the prices went up a lot. Another example: “The team’s performance improved substantially” means they got much better. Use this word when you want to show that something has changed or increased in a big way. It sounds formal, but it’s great for reports, business, or serious topics. It helps express important changes or strong facts in a smart and clear way.
17. Mostly speaking
“Mostly speaking” is used when you’re talking in general, not being exact. For example, “Mostly speaking, people are kind” means kindness is common, though not in everyone. Another sentence: “Mostly speaking, I like working here” tells us that the speaker enjoys the job overall, even if there are some problems. This phrase is not very formal but is useful in casual talks or friendly writing. It helps explain your thoughts without sounding too harsh or too soft.
18. To the extent that
“To the extent that” means how much something is true or done. For example, “He helped to the extent that he could” shows he did what he could, but maybe not everything. Another sentence: “She agreed with the plan to the extent that it helped the team” tells us she was on board, but only when it helped. This phrase is useful when you want to be careful and exact with your meaning. It’s often used in thoughtful writing and formal talk.
19. By far
“By far” means something is clearly more or greater than others. For example, “She is by far the best player on the team” means no one else is close to her level. Another sentence: “That was by far the most exciting day of the trip” shows nothing else came close. This phrase adds strength and makes your point very clear. Use it when you want to highlight the top or biggest part of something. It makes your message bold and direct.
20. Largely speaking
“Largely speaking” means when you look at the big picture, something is true. For instance, “Largely speaking, the event was a success” means the overall result was good, even if a few things went wrong. Another example: “Largely speaking, this method works” tells us that most of the time, it helps. This phrase is gentle and helps share your view while being fair and balanced. It’s good for both formal and informal situations.
21. For all practical purposes
“For all practical purposes” means in real life or in most ways, something is true. For example, “For all practical purposes, the car is new” may mean the car is used but looks and runs like new. Another example: “For all practical purposes, the deal is done” tells us that even if it’s not signed yet, it’s finished. This phrase helps explain what feels real, even if it’s not fully official. Use it when the difference between real and official doesn’t matter much.
22. Practically
“Practically” means almost or very close to something. For instance, “It’s practically finished” means it’s nearly done. Another sentence: “He’s practically family” tells us he is so close that he feels like family. This word makes things sound casual but true. It helps when you want to say something is close enough to be counted or felt that way.
23. To a considerable extent
“To a considerable extent” means something is true or done in a large way. For example, “She changed her lifestyle to a considerable extent” means she made big changes. Another sentence: “The new law helped to a considerable extent” shows the help was strong. This phrase is good in serious talk or writing, especially when you want to show that something matters a lot.
24. In bulk
“In bulk” means in large amounts. If you say, “We buy rice in bulk,” it means you buy a lot at once. Another example: “The company ships goods in bulk” shows that they move big amounts at a time. This phrase is used in shopping, business, and supply topics.
25. Mostly indeed
“Mostly indeed” adds strength to “mostly.” For example, “He was mostly indeed correct” shows strong agreement. It adds a formal or poetic feel to your speech. It’s not common but can make your message stand out.
26. Predominantly so
“Predominantly so” confirms the most common part of something. For example, “They are predominantly so focused on profits” tells us that profits guide them the most. It’s useful when you want to repeat a point strongly.
27. Mainly speaking
“Mainly speaking” is a casual way to say what’s mostly true. For example, “Mainly speaking, I enjoy cooking” tells us that most of the time, cooking is fun. It’s a friendly way to express your feelings.
28. Mostly true
“Mostly true” means something is right in most parts. For example, “His story is mostly true” shows it’s not a lie, but there may be a few small changes. It’s good when you want to sound fair.
29. Chiefly so
“Chiefly so” helps you repeat and focus on what’s most important. For example, “They are busy, chiefly so because of the holiday rush.” It’s formal and makes your point stronger.
30. To a great degree
“To a great degree” means something is mostly true or felt very strongly. For example, “I trust him to a great degree” tells us that trust is high. It’s helpful when expressing emotions or support.
31. Largely true
“Largely true” means something is mostly correct. For example, “Her answers were largely true” shows most were right, even if not perfect. It gives a fair review or comment.
Final Thoughts
Finding better words for “mostly” helps your writing become more lively, clear, and smart. Whether you’re writing a blog, giving a speech, or just talking to a friend, using synonyms like “primarily,” “chiefly,” or “broadly” makes your ideas stronger. Try using these new words to say what you really mean with more style and accuracy.
