chiefly because

USAGE SUMMARY

'chiefly because' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to explain the main reason for something. For example: "She decided to take the job, chiefly because of the paycheck."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Chiefly because of tight regulation, America's cable systems are fragmented.

The Economist

That is chiefly because many officials were corrupt and obstructive.

The Economist

Partly because it was hateful; chiefly because it was false.

The Guardian - Opinion

That is chiefly because these influential benchmarks actually leave much to be desired.

The Economist

He was controversial, particularly with the British, chiefly because he was so effective.

The Economist

But polls suggest that he benefited chiefly because expectations before the debate had been so low.

The Economist

However, muscicapid taxonomy is controversial, chiefly because no character is taxonomically useful throughout the wide family.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And this is chiefly because governments have arranged things that way.

The Economist

Did totalitarian ideas flourish in Europe chiefly because of the demonic genius of Hitler and Lenin?

The Economist

The grumbles are louder in China chiefly because the stakes are higher.

The Economist

That is chiefly because Turkey does not have formal ties with Armenia.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chiefly because" to clearly indicate the main reason behind a situation, ensuring your explanation is concise and impactful.

Common error

Avoid using "chiefly because" excessively in casual contexts. Opt for simpler alternatives like "mostly because" or "mainly because" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chiefly because" functions as an adverbial phrase, specifically a causal connector. It introduces a clause that explains the primary reason for a statement or situation, clarifying the main cause. Ludwig AI shows that is a correct and usable phrase in written english.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chiefly because" is a versatile causal connector used to indicate the primary reason for something. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is commonly found in news, encyclopedic, and scientific contexts, showcasing its applicability in various domains. While it is grammatically sound and widely accepted, remember to use it judiciously in informal writing, opting for simpler alternatives when appropriate. The related phrases, such as "primarily because" and "mainly because", offer nuanced ways to express similar causal relationships. The best practice involves using "chiefly because" to deliver a concise and impactful explanation, while avoiding overuse in casual conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primarily because

Focuses on the main cause but might imply other contributing factors exist.

mainly because

Similar to 'primarily' but can suggest a slightly broader range of contributing factors.

mostly because

Indicates the majority of the reason is due to something.

largely because

Emphasizes the significant portion of the cause.

principally because

A more formal synonym for 'chiefly because'.

predominantly because

Highlights the most powerful or evident cause among others.

especially because

Adds an element of particular importance to the reason.

essentially because

Points to the fundamental or core reason behind something.

for the most part because

Suggests that the reason applies in most instances but not necessarily all.

in large part because

Similar to 'largely because' but with a slightly less formal tone.

FAQs

How to use "chiefly because" in a sentence?

"Chiefly because" is used to introduce the primary reason for something. For example, "The project was delayed, chiefly because of unforeseen circumstances."

What can I say instead of "chiefly because"?

You can use alternatives like "primarily because", "mainly because", or "mostly because" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "chiefly because" or "primarily because"?

Both "chiefly because" and "primarily because" are correct and can be used interchangeably, but "chiefly because" might suggest a slightly stronger emphasis on the main reason.

What's the difference between "chiefly because" and "especially because"?

"Chiefly because" indicates the main reason, while "especially because" highlights a particularly important or noteworthy reason. "Especially because" adds an element of particular importance to the reason.