is chiefly because

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is chiefly because" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to explain the primary reason or cause of something in a sentence. Example: "The project's delay is chiefly because of unforeseen circumstances that arose during the planning phase."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

That is chiefly because many officials were corrupt and obstructive.

The Economist

That is chiefly because these influential benchmarks actually leave much to be desired.

The Economist

And this is chiefly because governments have arranged things that way.

The Economist

That is chiefly because Turkey does not have formal ties with Armenia.

The Economist

This is chiefly because they doubt the effectiveness of 30-second spot advertisements.

The Economist

This is chiefly because Menand usually does get it right, sometimes brilliantly so.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

That was chiefly because of tougher visa rules, which the American government is now, belatedly, partially relaxing.

The Economist

If the late concert of Stravinsky's Histoire du Soldat was less successful, despite stylish playing, it was chiefly because the story was told in French.

The Guardian

When Hamsun won, in 1920, it was chiefly because of "Growth of the Soil," which the Academy saw as a lesson of "heroic struggle".

The New Yorker

Though the country did assume a more prosperous air under Henry IV, that change was chiefly because of the domestic and foreign calm that followed the Peace of Vervins.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This was chiefly because the world had changed and countries had stirred, but Iran remained in the same state in which it had been.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is chiefly because", ensure that the reason you provide is indeed the most important or dominant factor. Avoid using it when multiple factors contribute equally.

Common error

Avoid using "is chiefly because" when the reason you are giving is only one of several important contributing factors. Using it incorrectly can give a false sense of the primary driver.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is chiefly because" functions as a causal connector, linking a result or situation to its primary cause. As supported by Ludwig's examples, it introduces the main reason or explanation for something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is chiefly because" serves as a causal connector, primarily used to introduce the main reason or cause behind a situation. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedia articles. While it maintains a neutral to formal tone, it is important to ensure the reason provided is indeed the most dominant factor to avoid overstating its importance. Alternatives like "is mainly because" or "is primarily because" can be used for similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is mainly because

Replaces "chiefly" with "mainly", indicating a slightly less emphatic primary reason.

is primarily because

Substitutes "chiefly" with "primarily", suggesting the principal cause.

is largely because

Uses "largely" instead of "chiefly", implying a significant but not necessarily exclusive reason.

is mostly because

Replaces "chiefly" with "mostly", indicating that the reason is true in most instances.

is principally because

Substitutes "chiefly" with "principally", indicating the main reason based on principles.

is fundamentally because

Uses "fundamentally" to emphasize that the reason is a basic, underlying cause.

is essentially because

Replaces "chiefly" with "essentially", indicating the core or inherent reason.

is substantially because

Implies that the given reason makes up a large portion of the cause.

is predominantly because

Highlights that the reason is the most common or noticeable one.

is significantly because

Uses "significantly" to indicate that the reason has a noteworthy impact.

FAQs

What does "is chiefly because" mean?

The phrase "is chiefly because" means that something is mainly or primarily due to a particular reason. It highlights the most important cause or factor contributing to a situation.

How can I use "is chiefly because" in a sentence?

Use "is chiefly because" to introduce the main reason for something. For example: "The project's delay "is chiefly because" of unforeseen circumstances."

What can I say instead of "is chiefly because"?

You can use alternatives like "is mainly because", "is primarily because", or "is largely because" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "is chiefly because" and "is partly because"?

Yes, "is chiefly because" indicates the main reason, while "is partly because" suggests one of several reasons. The first emphasizes the primary cause, whereas the second acknowledges a contributing factor among others.