chiefly about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chiefly about" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means primarily or mostly about something. Example: The book was chiefly about the struggles of a young girl growing up in a poverty-stricken neighborhood. In this sentence, "chiefly about" is used to convey that the main focus of the book is on the struggles of the young girl, although there may be other themes or topics mentioned.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And this is what existentialism is chiefly about: challenging the individual to examine their life for intimations of bad faith and to heighten their sensitivity to oppression and exploitation in their world.

SEP

At first everything was chiefly about business.

The New York Times

To Mr. Talarico, the battle is chiefly about ideology.

The New York Times

In "Chiefly About War Matters," by Nathaniel Hawthorne.

The New Yorker

Defence is chiefly about defending the citizens against foreign threat.

The Guardian

That deeply satisfying feeling is chiefly about thumping Australia.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet Hawthorne's "Chiefly About War-Matters" is a very funny piece.

The New York Times

Male moviegoers care chiefly about the male star and his buddies.

The New Yorker

The government cares chiefly about cheap power, which is popular with voters and businesses.

The Economist

And both have spoken chiefly about Kaminski, suggesting a reluctance to defend the Latvian party.

The Guardian - Opinion

He understands pop music as being chiefly about joy and release.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chiefly about" to clearly indicate the primary topic or focus of a discussion, text, or artistic work. This helps set expectations for the audience.

Common error

While "chiefly about" is acceptable, avoid overuse in formal contexts. Opt for more precise language to enhance clarity and sophistication in academic or professional writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chiefly about" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb. It indicates the main topic or subject matter being discussed or described. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "chiefly about" functions as a prepositional phrase that highlights the primary focus or subject of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. While it maintains a neutral tone, alternative phrasings may be preferred in highly formal or scientific writing. Remember to utilize "chiefly about" to clearly indicate the central theme of your writing, ensuring your audience understands the key subject matter. By using it correctly, you can effectively convey the main topic in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mainly concerning

Focuses on the aspect of 'concerning' the main topic.

primarily focused on

Emphasizes the 'focus' aspect of the subject matter.

largely on the subject of

Highlights the extent to which the topic is covered.

mostly regarding

Similar to 'concerning' but implies a less formal context.

principally dealing with

More formal, highlighting the 'dealing with' aspect.

in essence, about

Focuses on the core or essential nature of the subject.

at its heart, about

Similar to 'in essence' but with a more metaphorical feel.

fundamentally concerning

Highlights the basic and essential aspects of the subject.

in the main, regarding

More colloquial, meaning 'mostly' or 'for the most part'.

for the most part, about

Indicates that something is mostly true, but not entirely.

FAQs

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

Use "chiefly about" to indicate the main subject or focus of something. For example, "The discussion was chiefly about the new marketing strategy".

What are some alternatives to "chiefly about"?

You can use alternatives like "mainly concerning", "primarily focused on", or "largely on the subject of" depending on the context.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "chiefly about"?

While grammatically possible, starting a sentence with "chiefly about" is not conventional. It's better to incorporate the phrase within the sentence for better flow.

What's the difference between "chiefly about" and "primarily about"?

"Chiefly about" and "primarily about" are very similar. "Chiefly" suggests the main element, while "primarily" highlights the most important or fundamental aspect.