but principally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "but principally" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is mainly or primarily true, often followed by a clarification or specification. Example: "The project focuses on renewable energy sources, but principally on solar power."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Diaries are terrible deceivers, but principally of themselves.

The Guardian - Books

He cites Dickens and Hardy, "but principally Dickens.

The Guardian - Books

But principally, the law of nations governed the behavior of states, not individuals.

Harvard University

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

Local pressure fluctuations were recorded at three different stations along the column using three independent but principally similar transducers.

Chemical Engineering Science

12 INTERESTING MANILA 2 7 Americans live in all parts of the city, but principally in Ermita and Malate.

Cornell University

And I won't demonstrate the proofs, but principally focus on some of the interpretation as the lecture goes on.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

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

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

When using "but principally", ensure that the sentence structure clearly distinguishes between the secondary and primary considerations for better clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "but principally" in simple sentences where a direct statement would be more effective. Overusing it can make your writing sound convoluted. Simplify where possible for clearer communication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "but principally" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. It connects two parts of a sentence, introducing a clarification or emphasis on the primary aspect of the preceding statement. Ludwig AI shows that the phrase is usually followed by a specific detail or reason.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

34%

Academia

21%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but principally" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase to highlight the main factor after considering other elements. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It's frequently used across diverse fields, notably science and news, with a neutral register. To enhance writing clarity, ensure that the main point following "but principally" is well-defined. Remember to use it judiciously and avoid overuse in simple sentences for maximum impact. By being mindful of these tips, you can effectively use this phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

but mainly

Replaces "principally" with "mainly", suggesting the primary focus.

but primarily

Uses "primarily" instead of "principally", emphasizing the most important aspect.

but chiefly

Substitutes "principally" with "chiefly", indicating the leading factor.

but mostly

Replaces "principally" with "mostly", implying the greatest portion or extent.

but especially

Uses "especially" to highlight a particular focus within a broader context.

but largely

Replaces "principally" with "largely", indicating a significant portion or degree.

but predominantly

Employs "predominantly" instead of "principally", stressing the prevailing element.

but essentially

Substitutes "principally" with "essentially", highlighting the fundamental nature.

but particularly

Uses "particularly" to emphasize a specific aspect or element.

but mainly because

Adds "because" to specify the reason for the primary focus.

FAQs

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

Use "but principally" to introduce the main reason or aspect after mentioning other contributing factors. For example: "The project aims to improve healthcare, but principally by increasing access to rural areas".

What phrases are similar to "but principally"?

You can use alternatives like "but mainly", "but primarily", or "but chiefly" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "but principally" and "but especially"?

"But principally" indicates the main or primary factor, while "but especially" highlights a particular aspect among several. The former denotes importance, and the latter denotes emphasis.

Is it better to use "but principally" or "however, principally"?

"But principally" is generally more concise and flows better within a sentence. "However, principally" can be used, but it might make the sentence sound slightly more formal or hesitant.