Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
chiefly determined by
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "chiefly determined by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is primarily influenced or shaped by a particular factor or set of factors. Example: "The success of the project is chiefly determined by the team's ability to collaborate effectively."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Encyclopedias
Alternative expressions(14)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
7 human-written examples
Capacitance of the double layers of the Pt electrode/electrolyte interface was chiefly determined by capacitance of the compact layer according to the Helmoholtz theory.
Science
The existence of crystal defects (vacancy or adulteration) might increase the elasticity but destabilize the system to some extent, and the mechanical properties of PBX were chiefly determined by the main body explosive.
And so it is for our bodies.
News & Media
Plant recruitment kernels were chiefly determined by the disperser's patterns of space utilization (i.e. the lizard's displacement kernels), the position of the various plant individuals in relation to them, and habitat structure (vegetation cover vs. bare soil).
Science
Our study shows that, for the study system, plant recruitment kernels are chiefly determined by the disperserś patterns of space utilization (i.e. the lizardś home-ranges and displacement kernels), the position of the various plant individuals in relation to such patterns, and habitat structure (shrub cover vs. bare soil).
Science
This implies that inhibition is chiefly determined by the presence of exon 9a (AS-Tmstα), which is primarily a striated muscle-specific exon, whereas the presence of exon 9d does not cause inhibition (Tm2) and may cause activation (Tm5a).
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
53 human-written examples
The existence of primal man was chiefly determined, like the production itself, by the sounds surrounding him.
News & Media
Transcription, not translation, chiefly determines protein abundance in mammals [Also see Research Article by Jovanovic et al.].
Science & Research
Nearly 70percentt did not identify their credit score, which chiefly determines the borrower's loan eligibility and interest rate.
News & Media
The size and charge of the cations that occupy the M2 site chiefly determine the structural type of a pyroxene.
Encyclopedias
For soil organisms chiefly exposed by the water pathway, the bioavailable fraction of contaminants can be roughly determined by chemical analyses in aqueous soil extracts simulating soil pore water concentrations.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "chiefly determined by", ensure that the factors you specify are indeed the most significant and directly relevant to the outcome you are describing. Avoid overstating the influence of minor factors.
Common error
Avoid using "chiefly determined by" if several factors have nearly equal influence. It's misleading to suggest a single dominant factor when multiple elements contribute significantly.
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "chiefly determined by" functions as a modifier in a sentence, indicating the primary factor or factors that influence or control a specific outcome or characteristic. Ludwig confirms the correct usage of this phrase.
Frequent in
Science
50%
Encyclopedias
20%
News & Media
20%
Less common in
Wiki
10%
Formal & Business
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "chiefly determined by" is a grammatically correct expression used to indicate that a particular factor is the primary influence on an outcome. Ludwig confirms the validity of this phrase. Usage analysis shows that it's frequently found in scientific and formal contexts. When employing this phrase, clarity is key: ensure that the specified factors genuinely exert the most significant influence. Alternatives like "primarily determined by" or "mainly governed by" can be used depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey. While "chiefly" indicates a primary role, be mindful not to overstate its influence if multiple factors contribute significantly.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
primarily determined by
Replaces "chiefly" with "primarily", emphasizing the main influence.
mainly governed by
Substitutes "determined" with "governed", suggesting a controlling influence.
largely influenced by
Uses "influenced" instead of "determined", highlighting the impact rather than strict determination.
predominantly dictated by
Replaces "determined" with "dictated", implying a stronger, more controlling influence.
mostly contingent on
Shifts the focus to dependency, where the outcome is conditional on certain factors.
fundamentally shaped by
Emphasizes the shaping or molding effect of the influencing factors.
primarily affected by
Focuses on the effect or impact of the influencing factors.
essentially controlled by
Highlights the controlling aspect of the influencing factors.
heavily reliant on
Indicates a strong dependence on certain factors for determination.
significantly impacted by
Focuses on the degree of impact from the influencing factors.
FAQs
How can I use "chiefly determined by" in a sentence?
Use "chiefly determined by" to indicate that a particular factor or set of factors primarily influences or shapes an outcome. For example, "The project's success is chiefly determined by the team's collaboration".
What are some alternatives to "chiefly determined by"?
Alternatives include "primarily determined by", "mainly governed by", or "largely influenced by", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.
Is it correct to say "mainly determined by" instead of "chiefly determined by"?
Yes, "mainly determined by" is a suitable alternative. Both phrases convey the idea that something is primarily influenced by a specific factor or set of factors. The choice between them often depends on stylistic preference.
What is the difference between "chiefly determined by" and "partly determined by"?
"Chiefly determined by" suggests that the factor you mention is the main influence, while "partly determined by" indicates that the factor is just one of several influences. "Chiefly" implies a primary role, whereas "partly" suggests a contributing role but not necessarily the most significant one.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested