Most_ almost_ mostly_ most of

							MOST / ALMOST / MOSTLY / MOST OF...
Most can be followed directly by a noun or by the phrase "of the." However, it cannot be followed by "of" or "the" alone. Almost is usually followed by a number or quantifier (90%, all). The quantifier can be followed by the phrase "of the," but not "of" or "the" alone. Most of Koreans live in Asia. (Wrong!) Most Koreans live in Asia. [OK] (The majority of the world’s Korean people.) Most of the Koreans in this class are male. [OK] (Only those in the class.) Almost Japanese people eat rice. (Wrong!”) Almost all Japanese (people) eat rice. [OK] Almost of Japanese students like sushi. (Wrong!) Almost all of the Japanese (in this class) like sushi. [OK]  Almost means "not completely" and can also be used before verbs and adverbs. He almost finished his homework. We're almost there! NOTE:  The difference between "mostly" and "almost". In some cases you can use both: "I've mostly done"/"I've almost done", in some cases only one is acceptable: "I've asked almost every students", not "I've asked mostly every students", in some cases it seems to me that they bear different meanings: "The shirt is almost red" (It has a color which is similar to red), "The shirt is mostly red" (most parts of the shirt is red, some other parts are white, blue...). So is there any rule for this? I am well aware that exceptions always exist, I just want some general rules.  The difference between "most of" and "almost all"? "Almost all people" YES, "Most of people" acceptable? correct? wrong? "Most of the time" = "Almost all the time"? "Most of my English" YES, "Almost all my English" correct? wrong? "Most of you" YES, "Almost all you" WRONG.