and chiefly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "and chiefly" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the primary or most important aspect of a statement or list. Example: "The committee focused on several issues, and chiefly the need for improved communication among departments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I'm old, boring, sane and chiefly worried about the Tories having free rein for the foreseeable.

The Guardian - Opinion

It already has dedicated fans in its main target market (Europe, and chiefly Britain).

The Economist

Mandela was the most imposing and charismatic of them, with his military bearing and chiefly confidence.

Independent

The soldiers are ill trained and chiefly preoccupied with finding food and shelter.

The Economist

Most are native to the Old World and chiefly centred in the Mediterranean region.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Tourism is largely limited to the dry season and chiefly attracts individual travelers from Portugal and other European countries.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By Peter Schjeldahl Insisting on the realities of life and (chiefly) death: Pawel Althamer's "Skin" (1997) and "Self Portrait (Mask)" (2008).

The New Yorker

Uglow instead moulds her persona out of external sources, from her relationships with her father, uncle and sister, and chiefly, from Losh's own creations.

The Guardian - Books

Danny, a primary school teacher, and his husband, Joe, are contentedly gay and chiefly anxious about their chances of being allowed to adopt.

The Guardian

And, chiefly because I had had to think everything out in solitude, I had carried my hatred of oppression to extraordinary lengths.

The New Yorker

Bilic said he was pleased to get in at half-time just two goals down and chiefly he had Heskey to thank for that.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "and chiefly" to introduce the most significant point after listing other related, but less important, factors to clarify the main emphasis.

Common error

Avoid using "and chiefly" in sentences where the primary point is already clear; reserve it for situations where you need to explicitly prioritize one aspect over others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "and chiefly" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. It connects related ideas while emphasizing one as being the most important or principal. Ludwig shows its use in diverse contexts to introduce the main point following other considerations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

27%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "and chiefly" is a conjunctive adverbial phrase used to emphasize the most important element in a series. Ludwig's analysis, supported by numerous examples, indicates that it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias and scientific publications. While its register is generally neutral, more formal alternatives may be preferred in specific academic or professional settings. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase serves to guide the reader's attention to the primary point being made.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

and mainly

Focuses more on the principal component without necessarily emphasizing importance.

and primarily

Highlights the element that comes first in order or significance.

and principally

Emphasizes the fundamental aspect or basis.

and especially

Singles out a particular item or aspect for emphasis.

and particularly

Draws attention to a specific detail within a broader context.

and predominantly

Indicates the most common or noticeable element.

and largely

Suggests that something is mostly or to a great extent true.

and mostly

Emphasizes what occurs the majority of the time or covers the greatest portion.

and significantly

Points out the notable or consequential aspects.

and notably

Highlights the most remarkable or worthy of attention elements.

FAQs

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

Use "and chiefly" to highlight the most important item in a list or the primary reason among several. For example: "The project requires teamwork, dedication, and, chiefly, strong leadership."

What are some alternatives to "and chiefly"?

You can use alternatives such as "and mainly", "and primarily", or "and principally" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "and chiefly" formal or informal?

"And chiefly" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, more formal alternatives like "primarily" or "principally" might be preferred in highly academic or professional contexts.

What is the difference between "and chiefly" and "and especially"?

"And chiefly" emphasizes the most important or principal aspect, whereas "and especially" highlights a particular item or aspect that is noteworthy or significant. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize priority or distinction.