chiefly supply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "chiefly supply" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the primary function or purpose of something, particularly in contexts related to providing resources or materials. Example: "The company's operations chiefly supply the local market with fresh produce."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

At the period of my first residence in Eccles Parish, I believe the above Mills chiefly supplied the Weavers of Eccles and other parishes with twist for warps, which were purchased by the Master Manufacturers.

Wikipedia

Dependence on complex global systems, chiefly "global supply chains for resources" is likely to "increase the risk of systemic failures".

The Guardian

The muscular prose and spiky jokes are treats too.What is sometimes missing oddly, in a book that aims chiefly to supply the missing context is a sense of fairness and proportion.

The Economist

From that time on, the industry was devoted chiefly to supplying foreign residents and tourists with ivory canes, card cases, and other objects.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Spanish crown granted the island to the Columbus family, but for decades it was something of a backwater, valued chiefly as a supply base for food and animal hides.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Phosphorus is supplied chiefly as inorganic phosphate.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Under Jobs, his work as Apple's chief operating officer – chiefly, in turning the supply chain into one of Apple's most important competitive advantages – set a modern standard.

The Guardian - Opinion

Jean Talon, the powerful intendant sent by Colbert in the same year, strove to make Canada a self-sustaining economic structure, but his plan was finally thwarted by his home government's failure to supply financial means chiefly because of the King's extravagance and costly European wars.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But with fortification — the systemic addition of nutrients, chiefly vitamins, to the food supply — and no shortage of food, the focus changed to whether vitamins and minerals in amounts larger than we need might protect us against conditions like heart disease and cancer.

Harvard University

American soldiers in Kosovo have been increasingly involved in trying to tamp the Albanian insurgency, chiefly through the seizure of supplies and volunteers from the Kosovo side of the border, which falls within the American command sector.

The New York Times

And not much could be done to correct the biases of the collectors and the patrons, mostly bygone, who have supplied the collection — chiefly, a compulsive skew to the French and a wariness of the spicy, apparent in a weak account of Symbolism and related tastes.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "chiefly supply", ensure it accurately reflects the primary source or function; avoid using it when describing secondary or minor contributions.

Common error

Avoid using "chiefly supply" when the subject only contributes partially or insignificantly to the supply. Reserve it for the main or most significant providers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "chiefly supply" functions as a verb phrase indicating the primary action of providing or furnishing something. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes the main source or means by which something is provided. It connects a subject with its primary provision to an object.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "chiefly supply" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to denote the primary source or method of providing something. Although Ludwig AI affirms its correctness, it's relatively rare, with its usage more common in formal contexts such as news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the primary role of the subject and avoid overstating its contribution. Alternatives such as "primarily provide" and "mainly furnish" can be used for similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primarily provide

Focuses on the act of providing as the main function, similar to "chiefly supply".

mainly furnish

Emphasizes the act of furnishing or equipping, close in meaning to "chiefly supply".

largely contribute

Highlights the significant contribution to a supply or provision.

principally offer

Indicates the main offering or source of supply.

predominantly deliver

Focuses on the delivery aspect as the primary function.

primarily serve

Highlights the serving aspect, indicating a main purpose in supplying.

mainly cater to

Focuses on meeting the needs of a specific group or purpose through supply.

substantially provide

Emphasizes the substantial amount or impact of the supply.

significantly furnish

Highlights the significant contribution to furnishing or equipping.

generally supply

Indicates a general or common act of supplying.

FAQs

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

Use "chiefly supply" to indicate that something is the main provider of something else. For example, "The river "chiefly supplies" water to the region".

What are some alternatives to "chiefly supply"?

You can use alternatives like "primarily provide", "mainly furnish", or "largely contribute" depending on the specific context.

Is "chiefly supply" formal or informal?

The phrase "chiefly supply" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but it is more commonly found in formal writing due to its precise and somewhat technical nature.

What's the difference between "chiefly supply" and "generally supply"?

"Chiefly supply" indicates the main or primary source, while "generally supply" suggests a common or typical supply. "Chiefly" emphasizes a more significant role than "generally supply".