I am chiefly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I am chiefly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that the speaker primarily identifies with or is focused on a particular aspect or role. Example: "I am chiefly responsible for overseeing the project and ensuring that all deadlines are met."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

(IDP, 2 286/TP, 259) {§4.5} What I am chiefly concerned to establish is this: in metaphysics one must proceed analytically throughout, for the business of metaphysics is actually the analysis of confused cognitions.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

But I was chiefly struck by the welter of references to other works, which could be dubbed either postmodern or derivative, depending on your point of view.

The Guardian

But I was chiefly interested in the company's "kei" class of cars, microcars that are not sold in the United States but are fixtures of city streets in Japan.

The New York Times

And when I went, I was chiefly preoccupied with questions about us — about America, the West, the so-called international community that had promised up and down for fifty years never again to tolerate genocide, but had abandoned Rwanda the moment the genocide began.

The New Yorker

Recent work suggests that Type I genes are chiefly expressed in the female gametophyte and the developing seed of Arabidopsis [ 23].

BMC Plant Biology

I assume they are chiefly concerned about being unfavorably compared with a rival, which is also the basis for the mandated swaddling of female bodies in public, the theory being that exposed female flesh in public is like putting red meat in shark-infested waters.

Huffington Post

It's what stops me in my tracks as I think, 'Why am I here when I could be there?' This is chiefly how Greece wounds me; I live in a state of xenitia without even being Greek.

The Guardian - Travel

Reader comments form part of the overall wordstorm described above, and it's true I'm not a huge fan of them, but that's chiefly because I'm an elderly man from the age of steam who clings irrationally to the outmoded belief that articles and letters pages should be kept separate, just like church and state.

The Guardian - Opinion

The organic matter is chiefly characterized by kerogen Type-III with only a little amount of kerogen Type-II.

International Journal of Coal Science & Technology

I disagree strongly with a respected colleague who said the subject was chiefly of local interest.

The Guardian

The reduction in plasma triglyceride concentrations was chiefly explained by the decrease in VLDL apoC-III concentrations.

Diabetes Care

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I am chiefly" to clearly indicate your primary role, focus, or concern in a specific context. This phrase is suitable when you want to emphasize what is most important to you or your responsibilities.

Common error

Avoid using "I am chiefly" in casual conversations or informal writing. The phrase is relatively formal and might sound stilted in everyday speech. Consider using simpler alternatives like "mainly" or "mostly" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I am chiefly" functions as a declarative statement, indicating the speaker's main focus, concern, or responsibility. It sets the context for what the speaker considers most important.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I am chiefly" is a grammatically correct and usable expression for indicating a primary focus or concern. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. While relatively formal, it's suitable for contexts where you want to emphasize your main role or responsibility, as seen in examples across news, science, and encyclopedic sources. Consider more informal alternatives like "mainly" or "mostly" in casual settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

My primary focus is

This alternative explicitly states the speaker's main area of focus.

I am mainly concerned with

This emphasizes the speaker's principal area of concern.

My chief concern is

This alternative directly indicates the speaker's main concern.

I am primarily responsible for

This highlights the speaker's main responsibility.

I am principally involved in

This indicates the speaker's main involvement.

I mostly focus on

This phrase focuses on the speaker's main area of attention.

What I am mostly interested in is

Emphasizes the speaker's dominant interest.

My main interest lies in

Highlights the speaker's primary area of interest.

I am significantly concerned with

Emphasizes the speaker's significant area of concern.

My foremost consideration is

This alternative points to the speaker's most important consideration.

FAQs

What does "I am chiefly" mean?

The phrase "I am chiefly" means that you are primarily or mainly concerned with something. It indicates your main focus or responsibility.

How can I use "I am chiefly" in a sentence?

You can use "I am chiefly" to state your primary concern or responsibility, for example, "I am chiefly responsible for project management."

What can I say instead of "I am chiefly"?

Alternatives include "I am primarily", "I am mainly", or "my main focus is".

Is "I am chiefly" formal or informal?

"I am chiefly" is relatively formal. In informal contexts, consider using phrases like "I'm mostly" or "I'm mainly".