chiefly since

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chiefly since" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that the primary reason for something is due to a specific factor or time period. Example: "The project was delayed chiefly since the team faced unexpected technical challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Even the rapturous Summertime Clothes, perhaps the most accessible track in the group's oeuvre, chiefly since the words for once aren't buried in the mix, is anchored by a seething electronic riff.

The Guardian - Music

'He said something about how people who go to Glastonbury must be mad to sit in the mud for three days.' This, atypically, really bothers him, chiefly since he thinks the applause afforded Weller following his Eighties solo set at Glastonbury gave him the courage to disband the Style Council and, a few years later, begin anew.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The bulk of the population derives its living from agriculture, chiefly stock raising, since only 15 percent of the land is cultivable.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Another important decision reached at this time was that the getaway would be made chiefly over water, since Gravesend Bay lay handy, only a block and a half from the Rubel substation.

The New Yorker

Such an idea has been acceptable to religious people (chiefly evangelical Protestants) since the model of an "intelligent designer" would fit perfectly with the image of their deity, giving a scientific sense to creationism.

Evolution: Education and Outreach

Many lifespan-augmenting mutations have since been isolated, chiefly in C. elegans, but also in yeast, fruit flies and mice.

Aging

"Polyphonia" shows, as most of Mr. Wheeldon's work has since, that he is chiefly interested in how women may be partnered by men.

The New York Times - Arts

Over the past year profits rose to highs not seen since 2006, chiefly on the back of a rising stockmarket, a further decline in non-performing loans and strong overseas lending.

The Economist

Sarah McClendon, the tiny, klaxon-voiced White House reporter who covered, pestered, lectured and often infuriated presidents since Franklin D. Roosevelt, chiefly as the leader of her one-woman McClendon News Service, died today at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center here.

The New York Times

In each step k of the Euclidean algorithm, the quotient qk and remainder rk are computed for a given pair of integers rk−2 and rk−1 : The computational expense per step is associated chiefly with finding qk, since the remainder rk can be calculated quickly from rk−2, rk−1, and qk : The computational expense of dividing h-bit numbers scales as O(h(ℓ+1)), where ℓ is the length of the quotient.

Wikipedia

Keeping all these women straight isn't crucial since they function chiefly as adornments of Shafak's magic realism, the inhabitants of a supernatural personal history.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "chiefly since", ensure that the subsequent clause clearly explains the primary reason or cause being asserted. For example: "The project was delayed, chiefly since the team faced unforeseen technical challenges."

Common error

Avoid using "chiefly since" when the following clause offers only a secondary or minor reason. This phrase signals a primary cause, so ensure the reason you provide is, in fact, the most important one. Using it for a less significant reason weakens your argument.

Linguistic Context

Chiefly since functions as a causal connector, linking a statement with its primary reason or cause. It indicates that the following clause is the main explanation for the preceding statement. Ludwig provides examples where "chiefly since" introduces the central reason behind a particular situation or outcome.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase “chiefly since” functions as a causal connector indicating the primary reason for a statement. As confirmed by Ludwig, its usage is grammatically correct, though less common than alternatives like "mainly because". It appears mainly in news, science, and encyclopedia contexts, suggesting a neutral to formal register. The best practice involves ensuring the clause following the phrase presents the primary cause, and it's essential to avoid using it for secondary or minor reasons to maintain clarity and argumentative strength.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mainly because

Replaces "chiefly" with "mainly", offering a slightly less formal tone while retaining the core meaning of primary causation.

primarily because

Substitutes "chiefly" with "primarily", keeping a similar level of formality and emphasizing the main reason.

largely due to the fact that

Replaces "chiefly since" with a more verbose but equally valid construction, highlighting the significant impact of the stated reason.

mostly as a result of

Similar to "chiefly since" but uses "mostly" and "as a result of" to show a consequence relationship.

principally as a consequence of

A more formal alternative, replacing "chiefly" with "principally" and using "as a consequence of" to emphasize causation.

primarily on account of

Uses "on account of" to indicate the reason, maintaining a formal tone similar to "chiefly since".

mainly attributable to

Indicates the cause or reason for something, similar to "chiefly since", with a focus on attribution.

in large part because

Implies that the reason is significant but may not be the only one, offering a nuanced perspective on causation.

for the most part due to

Highlights the most substantial cause while allowing for the possibility of other contributing factors.

to a great extent because

Indicates a significant influence or reason, although not necessarily the exclusive one.

FAQs

What does "chiefly since" mean?

"Chiefly since" means primarily because or mainly because. It introduces the main reason or cause for something.

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

Use "chiefly since" to connect a statement with its primary reason. For example: "The event was successful, chiefly since the marketing campaign was well-executed."

What are some alternatives to "chiefly since"?

You can use alternatives like "mainly because", "primarily because", or "largely due to".

Is "chiefly since" formal or informal?

"Chiefly since" can be used in both formal and informal writing, but alternatives such as "mainly because" might be preferred in very informal contexts.