chiefly great

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chiefly great" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is primarily or mostly great in quality or significance. Example: "The event was chiefly great, showcasing the talents of many local artists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the 60s, I suspect, we looked chiefly for great performances in great plays.

The Guardian

He called the contract “an unequal treaty,” borrowing a term used to describe a humiliating series of concessions forced on China at the end of the Qing dynasty by invading colonial powers, chiefly Great Britain.

Forbes

Despite their unique system of defense, they are eaten, chiefly by great horned owls but also by eagles, crows, vultures, coyotes, foxes, dogs, bobcats, mountain lions, American badgers, and even humans.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This is due chiefly to greater drag and reduced stem flexibility associated with large individuals [ 25, 26], although other architectural factors such as reduced canopy density, increased branch flexibility, and a more aerodynamic leaf-shape can have a mitigatory effect [ 27].

BMC Ecology

He identified a section of the population who aspired chiefly to greater material gain.

Independent

In the regional physiography of the conterminous United States, the Interior Lowlands are composed chiefly of the great Central Lowland of the Midwestern states and the Great Plains landform region to the west.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, he chiefly blamed "the great hypocrisy" of nations who emit most of the world's greenhouse gases.

Independent

The methods are a reflection of the instruments, manufactured chiefly in Switzerland, Austria, Great Britain, the United States, Japan, and Germany.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The genre's most famous mobile games are missing, but thanks chiefly to Electronic Arts, great ones still await, like Need for Speed Shift 3D, Yahtzee, Tetris and Risk.

The New York Times - Tech

The human nervous system differs from that of other mammals chiefly in the great enlargement and elaboration of the cerebral hemispheres.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The corner of the north pool is composed chiefly of two great beams arranged perpendicularly atop a more slender steel framework.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chiefly great" to convey that while there may be other aspects to something, its greatness is the most important or dominant feature. This can add nuance to your descriptions.

Common error

Avoid using "chiefly great" too frequently in very formal or academic writing. While grammatically sound, more precise or sophisticated vocabulary may be preferable to enhance the tone and specificity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chiefly great" functions as an adverb-adjective combination, modifying a noun or idea to emphasize the primary quality of greatness. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase follows standard grammatical rules and usage is acceptable.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "chiefly great" is a grammatically sound expression used to emphasize that the primary characteristic of something is its greatness. While considered acceptable by Ludwig AI, it is relatively rare and may be replaced by alternatives like "primarily excellent" or "mainly outstanding" for enhanced precision. Its register is neutral, suitable for various contexts, though potentially leaning towards formal situations. Using "chiefly great" allows a writer to precisely convey the most dominant quality while acknowledging other aspects, adding valuable nuance to descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chiefly wonderful

Mirrors the original phrase but uses a different adjective to describe greatness.

primarily excellent

Emphasizes the quality of excellence as the main characteristic.

mainly outstanding

Highlights the superior nature of something as its principal attribute.

largely exceptional

Indicates that something is mostly exceptional in its qualities.

primarily impressive

Highlights that the main aspect is impressive.

mostly remarkable

Focuses on the noteworthiness as the dominant feature.

principally superb

Suggests that the superb nature is the leading aspect.

largely first-rate

Indicates that something is mostly of the highest quality.

predominantly magnificent

Indicates that the magnificent quality is the most noticeable.

mainly top-notch

Emphasizes that something is principally of excellent quality.

FAQs

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

You can use "chiefly great" to describe something whose primary characteristic is its greatness or excellence. For example, "The concert was chiefly great, showcasing the talent of young musicians."

What are some alternatives to "chiefly great"?

Alternatives include "primarily excellent", "mainly outstanding", or "largely exceptional" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "chiefly great" a formal or informal expression?

"Chiefly great" is relatively neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more sophisticated vocabulary may be preferable in very formal writing.

What does "chiefly" emphasize in the phrase "chiefly great"?

"Chiefly" emphasizes that the greatness is the principal or dominant quality, even if other qualities or aspects are also present. It implies that the greatness is what stands out the most.