chiefly interesting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chiefly interesting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is primarily or mainly interesting, often in a specific context or subject matter. Example: "The documentary was chiefly interesting for its exploration of ancient civilizations and their impact on modern society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Laura too was a transient, an incomer, and had lost the childhood charm that Thompson had relied on to mellow her stories in Lark Rise Heatherley is chiefly interesting for the clues it gives to Thompson's growing interest in writing - and in other writers.

The Guardian - Books

Now Pegu is a small provincial town, chiefly interesting on account of its rich treasures of Buddhist antiquities.

Cornell University

The poem is chiefly interesting for the light it throws on the ideology of the pagan landowning aristocracy of the rapidly disintegrating Western Roman Empire.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"I could ollie those, Mama!" The world, it is clear, is chiefly interesting at the moment to the extent that it is skateable.

The New York Times - Magazine

As late as the mid-19th century, bacteria were known only to a few experts and in a few forms as curiosities of the microscope, chiefly interesting for their minuteness and motility.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"His attempts at humor and self-mockery," the book says, "fall largely flat, and the episode is chiefly interesting for the light it sheds on Jefferson's sensitivity to rejection, disorder and criticism".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

For me, therefore, "Opera Moves" became interesting chiefly as a quiz.

The New York Times - Arts

Many are interesting chiefly as souvenirs of moments in time, while others rise above nostalgia value.

The New York Times

This was notable chiefly for an interesting translation from the French of Francois Villon - "Well, much snows have melted since yesteryear".

The New Yorker

C. 310 Bordeaux, France c. 395 Bordeaux, France Decimus Magnus Ausonius, (born c. 310, Burdigala, Gaul [now Bordeaux, France] died c. 395, Burdigala) Latin poet and rhetorician interesting chiefly for his preoccupation with the provincial scene of his native Gaul.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Decimus Magnus Ausonius, (born c. 310, Burdigala, Gaul [now Bordeaux, France] died c. 395, Burdigala), Latin poet and rhetorician interesting chiefly for his preoccupation with the provincial scene of his native Gaul.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "chiefly interesting", ensure that you clearly define the specific aspect or reason that makes the subject noteworthy. This adds clarity and strengthens your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "chiefly interesting" as a vague descriptor. Instead of saying "The topic is chiefly interesting", specify what makes it interesting, such as "The topic is "chiefly interesting" due to its innovative approach to solving climate change".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chiefly interesting" functions as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, indicating the primary reason or aspect that makes something worthy of attention or curiosity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable to written English. Examples showcase its usage in contexts ranging from books to historical events.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

22%

Academia

22%

Less common in

Science

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "chiefly interesting" serves as a grammatically sound and effective way to emphasize the primary reason for something's noteworthiness. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and the examples provided highlight its usage across various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and academic writing. When employing this phrase, clarity is paramount; specify the exact aspect that makes the subject engaging to maximize its impact. While "chiefly interesting" may not be as common as other phrases, its precision makes it invaluable for highlighting core attributes. Common alternative phrases are: "mainly captivating", "primarily intriguing", or "largely fascinating".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mainly captivating

Replaces "chiefly" with "mainly" and "interesting" with "captivating", emphasizing the appeal.

primarily intriguing

Substitutes "chiefly" with "primarily" and "interesting" with "intriguing", highlighting a sense of mystery.

largely fascinating

Replaces "chiefly" with "largely" and "interesting" with "fascinating", suggesting a broad appeal.

mostly appealing

Uses "mostly" instead of "chiefly" and "appealing" instead of "interesting", softening the intensity.

notably remarkable

Replaces "chiefly interesting" with "notably remarkable", focusing on what stands out.

primarily significant

Shifts the focus from interest to importance, using "significant" instead of "interesting".

principally noteworthy

Replaces "chiefly" with "principally" and "interesting" with "noteworthy", emphasizing importance.

particularly engaging

Focuses on the ability to hold attention, replacing "interesting" with "engaging".

fundamentally absorbing

Indicates a deeper level of interest, suggesting something is completely captivating.

essentially compelling

Highlights the irresistible nature of something, using "compelling" in place of "interesting".

FAQs

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

Use "chiefly interesting" to describe something whose primary appeal or significance lies in a specific aspect. For example, "The film is chiefly interesting for its groundbreaking visual effects."

What are some alternatives to "chiefly interesting"?

You can use alternatives such as "mainly captivating", "primarily intriguing", or "largely fascinating depending on the context.

Is it better to say "chiefly interesting" or "especially interesting"?

"Chiefly interesting" implies that the interest stems from a particular reason, while "especially interesting" suggests a generally high level of interest. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Can "chiefly interesting" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "chiefly interesting" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to indicate the main source of interest in a subject. However, be sure to specify why it's interesting.