What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
principally
Example
The company's success is principally due to its innovative products. [principally: adverb]
Example
The book is principally concerned with the effects of climate change. [principally: adverb]
mostly
Example
I mostly eat vegetarian food. [mostly: adverb]
Example
The movie was mostly well-received by critics. [mostly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mostly is more commonly used than principally in everyday language. Mostly is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while principally is less common and has a more formal tone.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between principally and mostly?
Principally is typically associated with a more formal tone, while mostly is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.
