is primarily about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is primarily about" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the main focus or subject of a discussion, text, or piece of work. Example: "The article is primarily about the impact of climate change on global agriculture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Since the crust is what pizza is primarily about, this is a good thing.

The New York Times - Health

Hollywood is primarily about entertainment.

The New York Times

The emotion is primarily about innocence.

The New York Times - Arts

Cameronism is primarily about shrinking the state.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is primarily about making things right.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Our job is primarily about prevention.

The Guardian - Sport

Rape is primarily about power and its abuse.

The Guardian

Climate change, for example, is primarily about food and water.

The Guardian - Opinion

So the debate now is primarily about means, not ends.

The Guardian

"Narrative tension is primarily about withholding information," he said.

The New Yorker

Broadway, as everyone knows, is primarily about shows.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is primarily about" to clearly and concisely communicate the main subject or purpose of a text, discussion, or project. This helps readers quickly grasp the central idea.

Common error

Avoid using "is primarily about" repeatedly within a single paragraph or short section. Vary your language to maintain reader engagement and prevent the writing from sounding monotonous. Alternatives include "focuses on", "concerns", or "deals with".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is primarily about" functions as a linking verb phrase that connects a subject to its essential attribute or purpose. Ludwig confirms that the expression is grammatically correct and commonly used to define the main topic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Academia

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is primarily about" serves as a clear and direct way to indicate the central theme or focus of a subject. It is considered grammatically correct and is very commonly used across various contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig. While the phrase appears most frequently in news and media, it is also prevalent in scientific and business writing. Remember to use synonyms to avoid overuse and maintain reader engagement. Ludwig's analysis and the example sentences show that "is primarily about" is a reliable and versatile option for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is mainly concerned with

Emphasizes the area of focus, suggesting a central theme or topic.

is at its heart

Identifies the central meaning or most important aspect of something.

is chiefly focused on

Highlights the main point of attention, implying a deliberate concentration.

is essentially centered on

Indicates the core element or nucleus around which something revolves.

revolves primarily around

Suggests that something turns or depends on a central element, adding dynamism.

is above all

Highlights the most significant aspect, often when multiple factors exist.

is largely a question of

Frames the subject as a matter of inquiry or debate, shifting the perspective.

is fundamentally rooted in

Implies a basic or foundational basis, underscoring the origins or underpinnings.

is first and foremost

Highlights the initial and most critical aspect, emphasizing importance.

boils down to

Simplifies a complex issue to its most basic element, often suggesting resolution.

FAQs

What does "is primarily about" mean?

The phrase "is primarily about" indicates the main focus or essence of a subject, discussion, or piece of work. It highlights what is most important or central.

How can I use "is primarily about" in a sentence?

You can use "is primarily about" to introduce the central topic. For instance, "The article "is primarily about" the impact of technology on education".

What are some alternatives to "is primarily about"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is mainly concerned with", "is chiefly focused on", or "is essentially centered on".

Is it correct to say "is primarily about"?

Yes, "is primarily about" is a correct and commonly used phrase in English to specify the main subject or focus of something.