Predominantly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Predominantly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is mainly or primarily the case, often in relation to a particular characteristic or quality. Example: "The population of the city is predominantly young, with a significant number of residents under the age of 30."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The term "big wall" is generally used by climbers to describe some of the world's longest climbs – usually predominantly on rock involving up to 30 rope lengths, and on which most climbers would expect to spend days climbing.

The Guardian

Jesus's preaching was predominantly directed at his fellow Jews.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I got jeered at in a cafe in [the predominantly Muslim area of] El Príncipe because I was talking about peace and speaking out against jihad," he said.

The Guardian

Within this, symbolic landmarks like the Drum and Bell towers (of which only the Drum Tower survives), multi-tiered and symmetrically positioned, loomed over a predominantly flat landscape.

The Guardian

While Australian colonial frontier exploration and settlement is predominantly characterised with extreme violence, this exhibition – Fragile First Impressions – tells of a more (but not exclusively) peaceful engagement between the Bininj and white people beginning in the mid-19th century.

The Guardian

I loved her dearly and we had a very nice time, but on the Kinsey scale, I would say I was always predominantly gay.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Anyone who was interested in 'the arts' who grew up in the predominantly working-class north-east of the Seventies and Eighties couldn't help but be aware of a huge, and seemingly unbridgeable, divide between what was characterised as High and Low Art.

The Guardian - Film

Today, the European responses to Russia's actions are predominantly being shaped in the EU.

The Guardian

But all you really need to know is that electronic cigarettes are used predominantly by smokers who want to cut down or quit, and that they are tobacco-free, containing only nicotine, flavourings and stage smoke.

The Guardian

At a predominantly white all-girls school, I had a hard time feeling comfortable in my body when I was surrounded by thin white friends and teen magazines which held up women who looked totally different from me as paragons of beauty.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now, in my mid-30s and with widespread (and I think justified) rage at a predominantly Old Etonian government, I remain as ashamed of my school as ever.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Replace "Predominantly" with synonyms like "primarily", "mainly" or "chiefly" to improve readability.

Common error

Avoid using "Predominantly" when the subject is almost entirely composed of something. In such cases, "exclusively" or "entirely" might be more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "Predominantly" functions as a modifier, specifying the degree or extent to which something is the main or primary characteristic. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in various contexts. This aligns with examples where it describes the composition of groups or the nature of activities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Predominantly" is a versatile adverb that indicates the main or primary aspect of something. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and its frequent usage in diverse contexts, most notably in news and media, along with formal business and scientific writings. It serves to highlight the majority or principal element, enhancing clarity and setting expectations. While "Predominantly" is suitable for various registers, it's crucial to consider synonyms such as "primarily" or "mainly" to ensure precision and avoid overstating the degree to which something prevails. Ludwig's analysis affirms that "Predominantly" is a valuable and reliable word for expressing proportion and prevalence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Primarily

Focuses on the main or most important aspect, similar to "Predominantly" but with a slightly stronger emphasis on importance.

Mainly

Indicates the principal component or action, offering a direct alternative to "Predominantly" with a slightly less formal tone.

Principally

Highlights the fundamental or primary nature, closely mirroring "Predominantly" but may suggest a guiding principle.

Largely

Emphasizes the extent to which something is true, comparable to "Predominantly" while suggesting a significant proportion.

Mostly

Denotes the greater part or amount, serving as an informal substitute for "Predominantly" in many contexts.

Chiefly

Indicates the most important or common element, similar to "Predominantly" but can also imply a sense of leadership or dominance.

Preponderantly

Signifies a greater amount or influence, closely related to "Predominantly" with an emphasis on weight or significance.

Primally

Suggests something is first in order or importance, diverging slightly from "Predominantly" by focusing on origin.

In the main

Functions as an idiomatic equivalent, signaling the general or main point, providing a less formal alternative to "Predominantly".

For the most part

Indicates that something is generally true, offering a colloquial alternative to "Predominantly" while acknowledging exceptions.

FAQs

What does "Predominantly" mean?

"Predominantly" means mainly or mostly. It indicates that something is the primary or most common characteristic of a group or situation.

How can I use "Predominantly" in a sentence?

You can use "Predominantly" to describe the main characteristic of a group or situation. For example: "The audience was "predominantly female"."

What are some synonyms for "Predominantly"?

Some synonyms for "Predominantly" include "primarily", "mainly", and "chiefly".

Is it correct to use "Predominantly" in formal writing?

Yes, "Predominantly" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and concise way to indicate the main characteristic of something.