But principally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "But principally" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to introduce a main point or focus, often following a list or explanation of other elements. Example: "The project will focus on several aspects, but principally on sustainability and environmental impact."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But principally, it's about directing extra resources to schools in the most deprived parts of England.

BBC

But principally thinking about pain.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Diaries are terrible deceivers, but principally of themselves.

The Guardian - Books

He cites Dickens and Hardy, "but principally Dickens.

The Guardian - Books

Article tells about traffic in general, but principally on Fifth Avenue.

The New Yorker

Why do we request safe access from all parties but principally the Syrian government?

The Guardian

Bin Laden was high on that list, but principally as a well-known employer of Islamist misfits.

The Guardian

I think we need to be talking about a combination of ethnic profiling and behavioral profiling, but principally behavioral profiling.

The New York Times

"I think that's normal – anybody from Argentina, Colombia, Brazil – they all want to play in Europe but principally in Spain.

Independent

Several factors, Mr. Ellis said, but principally because "the roll-out of refueling stations needs to be more aggressive".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

To be fair, ardent singing by all the principals--but principally Coote, Appleby and clear-voiced Pulver--sweetens the effect.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "But principally" to transition from secondary factors to the most important one, ensuring your writing has a clear focal point.

Common error

Avoid using "But principally" when a simpler conjunction like "but" or "mainly" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound overly formal or verbose in simple contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "But principally" serves as a conjunctive adverbial phrase, connecting two clauses or parts of a sentence. It introduces the most significant point after acknowledging other considerations. Ludwig AI confirms that it's a recognized and usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "But principally" is a versatile phrase used to introduce the most important point following a discussion of other, secondary factors. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used. Its primary function is to emphasize significance and provide focus, particularly in news, scientific, and formal contexts. While effective, it's important to avoid overuse in simple sentences where simpler conjunctions may suffice. Consider alternatives like "mainly", "primarily" or "chiefly" for enhanced clarity and conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Mainly

Focuses directly on the primary aspect, omitting the contrast implied by "but".

Primarily

Similar to "mainly" but may suggest a slightly stronger emphasis on the principal element.

Chiefly

Emphasizes the leading or most important aspect more explicitly.

Above all

Highlights the supreme importance of the point being introduced.

Most importantly

Directly indicates the significance of the following information.

In essence

Conveys the core or fundamental aspect being discussed.

Fundamentally

Highlights the foundational or basic nature of the primary point.

Essentially

Similar to "in essence" but can also imply a simplification or distillation of the topic.

For the most part

Acknowledges other elements but directs focus to the predominant one.

Predominantly

Indicates the major or prevailing aspect of something.

FAQs

How can I use "But principally" in a sentence?

Use "But principally" to introduce the main reason or factor after mentioning other, less important ones. For example, "The project faces several challenges, but principally, funding constraints."

What's the difference between "But principally" and "Mainly"?

"But principally" implies a contrast or transition from other factors, while "mainly" simply highlights the primary aspect without necessarily contrasting it with anything else.

Is it redundant to use "But principally" after listing several points?

While it can be effective, ensure the "but" genuinely contrasts with the preceding points. If there's no real contrast, consider alternatives like "primarily" or "chiefly".

Can "But principally" be replaced with "However"?

While both introduce a contrast, "But principally" specifically emphasizes the main point after other considerations, while "however" provides a more general contrast.