is not primarily

USAGE SUMMARY

"is not primarily" is a valid phrase that can be used in written English.
It is used to indicate that something is not mainly or chiefly the case. For example, "This book is not primarily an autobiography, but rather a collection of stories."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is not 1936.

The New York Times

The problem is not 1967.

The New Yorker

It was yesterday; it is not today.

The New York Times

This is not 1960.

University of California, Berkeley

"This is not today's problem.

The New York Times

But it is not today's problem.

The Economist

"And right now war is not tomorrow.

The New Yorker

It was Wednesday; it is not today.

The New York Times

This is not 1981.

The Guardian - Opinion

This election is not tomorrow.

The Guardian

But this is not 1977.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not primarily", ensure you clearly state what the subject is primarily, to provide a balanced and informative perspective. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "is not primarily" without specifying what the primary aspect actually is. This can leave the reader confused about the focus or main characteristic of the subject.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not primarily" functions as a qualifier. It serves to moderate or limit the scope of a statement, indicating that while a certain characteristic may be present, it's not the defining or most important one. Based on Ludwig AI, the phrase indicates the discussion will involve considering secondary elements.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not primarily" serves as a qualifier, aiming to provide a more nuanced and balanced perspective by indicating that something has complexities beyond its most obvious characteristics. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, but notes its infrequent usage across diverse sources. This phrase is used to prevent oversimplification and highlight secondary elements. When using this phrase, clarity is key; it’s crucial to specify what the subject is primarily, ensuring a balanced and informative perspective.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not mainly

Replaces "primarily" with "mainly", a direct synonym, to indicate something is not the principal aspect.

is not chiefly

Substitutes "primarily" with "chiefly", emphasizing that something is not the most important or dominant.

is not principally

Replaces "primarily" with "principally", stressing that something is not the leading or fundamental element.

is not essentially

Uses "essentially" instead of "primarily" to suggest that something is not the core or fundamental nature of something.

is not fundamentally

Employs "fundamentally" to indicate that something is not the basic or essential part.

is not largely

Replaces "primarily" with "largely", suggesting that something is not the major portion or extent.

is not mostly

Substitutes "primarily" with "mostly", indicating that something is not the greatest part or number.

is not particularly

Uses "particularly" to convey that something is not especially or notably so.

is not exclusively

Replaces "primarily" with "exclusively", meaning something else is also involved.

is not solely

Substitutes "primarily" with "solely", emphasizing that something is not the only factor or aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "is not primarily" in a sentence?

Use "is not primarily" to indicate that something has other important aspects or purposes besides the one being discussed. For example, "This tool is not primarily for entertainment; it's designed for educational purposes".

What phrases can I use instead of "is not primarily"?

You can use alternatives like "is not mainly", "is not chiefly", or "is not essentially" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "is not primarily" and "is not exclusively"?

"Is not primarily" suggests that something has other important aspects, while "is not exclusively" indicates that something is not the only factor or aspect. The difference lies in emphasizing the degree of importance versus the presence of other elements.

Is it better to use "is not primarily" or "is mainly"?

The choice depends on your intended emphasis. "Is not primarily" highlights what something is not focusing on other aspects. "Is mainly" emphasizes the primary characteristic. Use the phrase that best reflects the point you're trying to make.