chiefly employed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chiefly employed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the primary or main way in which something is used or applied. Example: "The new software is chiefly employed in data analysis and reporting tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Leaf fibres are chiefly employed for such cordage as rope and twine.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He chiefly employed Michelangelo in Florence on projects linked to the glory of the Medici family rather than of the papacy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Abaca is chiefly employed for ships' ropes, hawsers, and cables and for fishing lines, hoisting and power-transmission ropes, well-drilling cables, and fishing nets.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Over the long millennia since the heyday of ancient Urartu, the Aiites had developed a complicated physical discipline, a sort of jujitsu or calisthenics of murder, which they chiefly employed in a ruthless hunt of followers of Yê-Heh.

The New Yorker

These direct bilateral projects have chiefly employed Chinese workers and in a few cases have been associated with low labor standards, corruption, and charges of neo-colonialism.

Huffington Post

Our study found that students chiefly employed cognitive coping strategies to deal with their experiences.

BMC Medical Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Even in the immediate aftermath of the 1789 revolution, the country exhibited a "thirst for pleasure", as one contemporary newspaper report put it: "The stream of fashion, a succession of dinners, the luxury of their splendid furniture and their mistresses, are the objects that chiefly employ the thoughts of the young men of Paris".

The Economist

It was always employed chiefly for writing on papyrus.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On the renewal of war in 1803, Collingwood was at once employed, chiefly in blockading Brest.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Isotope dilution is employed chiefly in analytical chemistry in situations in which precise quantitative analysis by conventional means is difficult.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For example, nickel chloride, NiCl2, nickel nitrate, Ni(NO3 2·6H2O, and nickel sulfamate, Ni SO3NH2 2∙4H2O, are employed chiefly in nickel electroplating baths.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "chiefly employed", ensure the context clearly indicates the primary purpose or function being described. This phrase is best suited for situations where there are multiple uses, but one stands out as the most important or common.

Common error

Avoid using "chiefly employed" when a simpler alternative like "mainly used" or "primarily used" would suffice. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chiefly employed" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by a past participle, indicating the main way in which something is used or applied. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

40%

News & Media

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chiefly employed" is a grammatically correct phrase used to indicate the primary function or use of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from diverse sources. While suitable for formal and neutral registers, it's advisable to consider simpler alternatives like "primarily used" in informal contexts. Its presence in encyclopedias, news media, and scientific publications underscores its appropriateness for professional and academic writing. Be mindful to use it when you want to single out one use as the most important or common.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primarily utilized

This alternative emphasizes the utilization aspect, indicating a principal way of using something.

mainly used

A simple and direct substitute, focusing on the principal use of something.

principally applied

Highlights the application aspect, suggesting a key area of use.

predominantly employed

A more formal alternative, stressing the dominance of a particular use.

largely implemented

Focuses on the implementation aspect, implying widespread adoption for a specific reason.

primarily designated

Highlights the primary purpose or designation for which something is used.

generally used

Indicates a common or widespread use, though perhaps less forceful than "chiefly".

commonly utilized

Similar to "mainly used" but puts greater emphasis on the active utilization.

mostly dedicated to

Focuses on the dedication of something to a specific function or purpose.

particularly used for

Emphasizes a specific use case, indicating a strong association with a particular purpose.

FAQs

What does "chiefly employed" mean?

The phrase "chiefly employed" means mainly used or primarily utilized for a particular purpose or function. It indicates the principal way in which something is used, even if it may have other, less common applications.

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

You can use "chiefly employed" to describe the main way something is used. For example, "This tool is chiefly employed for data analysis" or "Leaf fibres are "chiefly employed" for such cordage as rope and twine."

What are some alternatives to "chiefly employed"?

Alternatives to "chiefly employed" include "primarily used", mainly used, "principally applied", or largely implemented. The best alternative depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "chiefly employed" formal or informal?

"Chiefly employed" leans towards the formal side. While grammatically correct, simpler phrases like "mainly used" are suitable for informal contexts. For professional or academic writing, "chiefly employed" is entirely appropriate.