「mostly」と「almost」の違い｜英語での意味と使い分けを例文で解説

The words mostly and almost seem similar, but they have different meanings.

Many learners confuse them, but the difference is simple when you see examples.

Let’s look at how we use them in everyday English.

1. Mostly – “Generally”

We use mostly when something is true in general, or in most situations.

It means “for the most part” / “normally” / “usually.”

Examples:

• I mostly eat rice for breakfast. (Most days, but not always.)

• The train is mostly on time. (It is usually on time.)

• The students were mostly happy with the lesson. (The majority were happy.)

So, mostly is about the majority or in general.

2. Almost – “Nearly”

We use almost when something is close to happening or true, but not completely.

It means “nearly” or “not quite.”

Examples:

• I almost missed the bus. (I got on the bus, and it immediately left.)

• Dinner is almost ready. (It will be ready very soon.)

• He almost won the race. (He was very close, but did not win. Maybe second place.)

So, almost is about something that is very close to being true.

3. Mostly vs. Almost – The Key Difference

• Mostly = general truth, usually, for the most part.

• Almost = nearly, but not completely.

Example Sentences:

• The students were mostly happy with the test.

  → Most of the students were happy., but not all of them.

• The students were almost happy with the test.

  → They were close to being happy, but not really happy. e.g. The main feeling was slight disappointment/frustration.

4. Related Words and Phrases

Generally – adverb – in most cases, usually.

• Generally, I walk to work.

  (Shows a common habit, similar to mostly.)

Nearly – adverb – very close to, but not completely.

• It’s nearly midnight.

  (Same meaning as almost, common in British English.)

Usually – adverb – most of the time.

• I usually drink coffee in the morning.

  (Another way to say mostly in everyday English.)

Practically – adverb – almost, but not exactly.

• The shop was practically empty.

  (Similar to almost, but a bit more casual.)

Cultural Note: British English Style

In British English, people often use nearly where American English uses almost.

• I nearly forgot my keys. (BrE, very common)

• I almost forgot my keys. (AmE, more common)

Both are correct, but the choice depends on style and variety of English.

Practice

Choose the correct word: mostly or almost.

1. I ______ always drink tea in the morning.

2. She ______ won the game, but lost in the final minute.

3. The park is ______ full of children today.

4. He is ______ finished with his homework.

5. My friends were ______ late, but arrived just in time.

Conclusion

Remember: mostly is about what happens in general or in most cases, while almost is about something close to happening, but not quite.

Using them correctly will make your English clearer and more natural.

Possible answers:

1. mostly

2. almost

3. mostly

4. almost

5. almost