Almost, Most, Mostly, Most of the Time

This is a short guide on how to use: almost, most, mostly and most the time. These terms are often used erroneously in sentences. Read the following examples and practice using them.


#1)

Most penguins have black feathers.
(meaning = more than 50% of penguins have black feathers)

Most mothers love their children.
(meaning = more than 50% of mothers love their children)

#2)

Most of the time, penguins have black feathers.
(meaning = same as #1. more than 50% of penguins have black feathers)

Most of the time, mothers love their children.
(meaning #1 = more than 50% of mothers love their children)
(meaning #2 = mothers spend more time loving their children than not loving their children)

#3) Almost all penguins have black feathers.
(meaning = close to 100% of all penguins have black feathers)

Almost all mothers love their children.
(meaning = close to 100% of all mothers love their children)

#4)

Penguins have mostly black feathers.
(meaning = some of the individual feathers are more than 50% black)

Mothers mostly love their children.
(meaning = not clear. perhaps, mothers love their children, but their love is mixed with other emotions.)


Common Errors:
#1) Most of penguins have black feathers. Most of mothers love their children.
#2) Almost penguins have black feathers. Almost mothers love their children.


Color Scheme:
Correct
OK--but not preferred
Incorrect