Most vs Mostly: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
Most means 'the majority of' or 'the greatest amount', while mostly is used as an adverb meaning 'mainly' or 'for the most part'.
Memory Tip: most = majority, mostly = mainly an adverb
most ends with /st/, mostly ends with /li/
most /moʊst/
pronounThe largest number or amount in a group.
Example:
Most people enjoy going to the beach during the summer because of the warm weather.
Common patterns:
most of the time
most people
mostly /ˈmoʊstli/
adverbFor the most part; mainly.
Example:
I've mostly finished my homework, but I still need to do the math problems.
Common patterns:
used to show the main part of something
used to indicate frequency
Common Mistakes
I am most tired in the evenings.
I am mostly tired in the evenings.
Mostly is correct because it describes the general state of being tired in the evenings.
She spends her time most reading books.
She spends her time mostly reading books.
Mostly is correct because it indicates that reading books is the main activity she spends her time on.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. ____ people enjoy going to the beach during the summer because of the warm weather.
2. I've ____ finished my homework, but I still need to do the math problems.
Other Confusing Words
Never confuse most / mostly again
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