chiefly so that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chiefly so that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the primary purpose or reason for an action or situation. Example: "The committee met chiefly so that they could discuss the upcoming event and finalize the details."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

They were instituted chiefly so that the crown might gain better control over its lands and finances.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Nemorins moved to Long Island from Queens chiefly so that their children, ages 7, 5 and 1, could go to better schools, said Karene Benoit, 31, of Lawrenceville, Ga., one of Detective Nemorin's sisters.

The New York Times

If only because I felt better talking to the bloke if I had the paper in front of me … "Chiefly so that I could say to the guy: I've stared at your letter/review/paper and I haven't the foggiest idea what it means: please tell me.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

I might receive an issue of one of the magazines that I subscribed to chiefly so I would get mail.

The New York Times - Magazine

Jeb Bush's halting response has so far been defined chiefly by that familiar silver foot in his mouth.

Huffington Post

So it is chiefly contagious fear that is pushing up interest rates on sovereign debt in the eurozone, prompting lemming-like remedies that will make matters worse.

The Guardian

Chiefly he thought about generalizing its operation so that it could perform other kinds of calculations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Some experts argue that an executive's work is chiefly concerned with shaping the social organization so that it works in conjunction with the technical organization.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yet from that youthful experiment came more ideas, so that year by year Mr. Chalayan built up a solid reputation, chiefly for tailoring and fortissimo stage work.

The New York Times - Style

What they chiefly want is an end to Israel's occupation of the West Bank as well as Gaza so that they can enjoy an independent national existence in both places.

The Economist

France and Britain, League mainstays, chiefly interested now in making a new Locarno agreement to replace the Rhineland pact, will attempt to steer the debates so that neither Germany nor Italy will be displeased.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "chiefly so that", ensure that the clause following it clearly states the primary intention or desired outcome. This clarifies the purpose and strengthens the connection between the action and its goal.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "chiefly so that" can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Consider using simpler alternatives like "mainly to" or "primarily to" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chiefly so that" functions as an adverbial connector, introducing a clause that expresses the primary purpose or intention behind an action or situation. This is supported by Ludwig AI's assessment that the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "chiefly so that" is a grammatically sound phrase used to indicate the primary purpose or intention behind an action. While Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, the phrase is relatively rare and leans toward a neutral to formal register. It's primarily found in encyclopedic entries and news articles. For more informal contexts, simpler alternatives like "mainly to" or "mostly because" might be more suitable. Remember to use "chiefly so that" when you want to clearly emphasize the main reason behind something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mainly in order that

Replaces "chiefly" with "mainly" and rewords "so that" to "in order that", maintaining the meaning of primary purpose but with a more formal tone.

primarily with the aim that

Substitutes "chiefly" with "primarily" and "so that" with "with the aim that", emphasizing the intended outcome.

largely with the intention that

Replaces "chiefly" with "largely" and uses "with the intention that" instead of "so that", highlighting the purpose.

mostly for the purpose that

Changes "chiefly" to "mostly" and replaces "so that" with "for the purpose that", clarifying the intended result.

principally to the end that

Replaces "chiefly" with "principally" and "so that" with "to the end that", which creates a more formal and somewhat archaic tone.

predominantly in such a way that

Uses "predominantly" instead of "chiefly" and "in such a way that" instead of "so that", slightly altering the focus to the manner in which something is done.

mainly with a view to

Replaces "chiefly" with "mainly" and uses "with a view to" instead of "so that", indicating a considered intention.

primarily on account of

Shifts the emphasis to the reason or cause, using "primarily on account of" to replace "chiefly so that".

essentially in order for

Substitutes "chiefly" with "essentially" and "so that" with "in order for", focusing on the necessary condition for something to happen.

in the main so as to

Replaces "chiefly" with "in the main" and "so that" with "so as to", providing a slightly less formal alternative.

FAQs

What does "chiefly so that" mean?

"Chiefly so that" means primarily or mainly for the purpose of achieving a specific outcome or result. It emphasizes the main intention behind an action.

How can I use "chiefly so that" in a sentence?

You can use "chiefly so that" to introduce a clause that explains the main reason or purpose for something. For example: "The Court of Augmentations was instituted "chiefly so that" the crown might gain better control over its lands and finances."

What are some alternatives to "chiefly so that"?

Some alternatives to "chiefly so that" include "mainly in order that", "primarily with the aim that", or "largely with the intention that".

Is "chiefly so that" formal or informal?

"Chiefly so that" is generally considered more formal. In informal contexts, using phrases like "mainly to" or "mostly because" may be more appropriate.