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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
Chiefly
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The part of the phrase "Chiefly" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is primarily or mainly the case, often in the context of describing the main focus or purpose of something. Example: "The conference will address issues that are chiefly related to climate change and sustainability."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
After a short interval, another pair appeared, and constructed a habitation, chiefly with materials purloined from the other nests.
News & Media
She delivers certain lines with relish – when she tells her would-be suitor Gabriel Oak: "I hate to be thought men's property" and, when faced with another, William Boldwood, she murmurs pointedly: "It is difficult for a woman to define her feelings in language which is chiefly made by men to express theirs".
News & Media
By the time the international team stopped, after a 5-2 win against Slovakia, Walter, still chiefly a centre-forward (as his younger brother Otmar would become), had missed only a couple of games, and scored another 19 goals.
News & Media
Like a pimped-up Bargain Hunt or Cash in the Attic with attitude, Storage Hunters UK is chiefly memorable for its presenter Sean Kelly's idiosyncratic auctioneering style and contestants charmless enough to make the wannabes on The Apprentice look like people you'd want to spend time with.
News & Media
The terrain beyond the city fringe is chiefly understood in terms of large generic units ("field", "hill", "valley", "wood").
News & Media
It speaks for those who have never left, as well as those who have abandoned, limestone country: "If it form the one landscape that we, the inconstant ones,/ Are constantly homesick for, this is chiefly/ Because it dissolves in water".
News & Media
Of course the rise of the Scottish Nationalists was critical, but chiefly because the idea of a Labour government dependent on the SNP fed into pre-existing fears, among English voters especially, that Labour's leader was weak and that the party could not be trusted with the economy.
News & Media
That approach has been controversial with some of its Nato allies, chiefly Britain and the United States, who argue that handing over cash only encourages further abductions and can end up funding terror attacks.
News & Media
Before becoming Plaid's leader, Wood was chiefly famed for an episode in 2004, when she upset some members of the Welsh Assembly by referring to the Queen as "Mrs Windsor", and found herself temporarily excluded from proceedings.
News & Media
What this bizarre episode chiefly illustrates, I think, is the dismal editorial conditions prevailing in contemporary British (and American) publishing houses, and the desperation rife among editorial cohorts at the pressures under which they are forced to operate.
News & Media
I'll never stop cycling, chiefly because it is such a blissfully solitary exercise.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When precision is key, "chiefly" helps narrow down the focus, ensuring your audience understands what is most important.
Common error
Avoid using "chiefly" excessively in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "mostly" or "mainly" to maintain a natural tone.
Source & Trust
91%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The adverb "chiefly" functions to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, indicating the main or principal reason, aspect, or element. Ludwig AI confirms the proper use of the adverb and offers several real-world examples of its usage.
Frequent in
News & Media
60%
Formal & Business
25%
Science
15%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "chiefly" functions as an adverb to highlight the main or principal aspect of something. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread use, especially in news and formal business contexts. While "chiefly" is appropriate for professional and neutral registers, simpler alternatives may suit more casual conversations. When aiming for precision, "chiefly" is a valuable tool for pinpointing the most important element, enhancing clarity and focus in writing.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
primarily
Indicates something is first in order of importance, differing slightly by highlighting sequence.
mainly
Suggests the largest part or portion, focusing on quantity or proportion.
mostly
Similar to mainly, but can imply a greater degree of approximation.
principally
Emphasizes the core or fundamental aspect.
largely
Indicates a considerable extent or degree, focusing on scale.
predominantly
Indicates a prevailing element or characteristic.
above all
Highlights the supreme importance of something over other things.
essentially
Focuses on the fundamental nature or essence of something.
for the most part
Suggests that something is true in most instances but not necessarily all.
in the main
Similar to "for the most part", indicating a general truth.
FAQs
How can I use "chiefly" in a sentence?
Use "chiefly" to indicate the primary reason or most important aspect. For example, "The project's success was "chiefly" due to the team's dedication".
What's a good substitute for "chiefly"?
What is the difference between "chiefly" and "especially"?
"Chiefly" indicates the main or principal reason, while "especially" highlights a particular instance or case. For example, "The museum is known "chiefly" for its ancient artifacts, "especially" those from Egypt".
Is it correct to start a sentence with "chiefly"?
While grammatically correct, starting a sentence with "chiefly" is less common. It's usually placed within the sentence to modify a verb or adjective. Consider rephrasing for better flow.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
91%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested