is primarily that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is primarily that" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when explaining the main reason or focus of a subject. Example: "The issue is primarily that we lack sufficient resources." Alternative expressions include "is mainly that" and "is chiefly that."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Well, their defending was shocking and it is primarily that reason why they have lost two opening group games for the first time in their World Cup history.

Independent

The author's complaint about her, it seems, is primarily that she was remote.

The New York Times - Books

Here we're in the hands of a different kind of writer, and his language is primarily that of fable.

The New York Times - Books

This is because the "cracked" story she has to tell is primarily that of her family: what it is to make your way, to survive in these surroundings.

The New York Times - Books

The story is primarily that of one man, Achilles, who returns to the battlefield at Troy to attain kleos, the everlasting fame that will be denied to him without heroic death.

The New York Times - Books

There are many misunderstandings about what a socialist is: primarily that it's someone who wears a donkey jacket and lives by a brazier, possibly in 1979, and listens only to Billy Bragg.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

But for the duke Carmontelle's role was primarily that of party planner, in settings both indoors and out.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's primarily that each 85-year-old in the future will cost us a lot more than they cost us today".

The New York Times - Magazine

"It's primarily that," confesses Immelt.

Forbes

It's primarily that the banks are a big chunk of the index there.

Forbes

"It's primarily that," Immelt said.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is primarily that", ensure that the rest of the sentence provides a clear and concise explanation of the primary reason or cause being discussed.

Common error

Avoid overusing "is primarily that" in your writing, as it can become repetitive. Also, be specific and avoid using it to introduce vague or unsubstantiated claims.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is primarily that" functions as a linking phrase, specifically to introduce the main reason or explanation for a situation or statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound way to highlight the core of an argument. This aligns with the examples provided, where the phrase precedes a key clarifying point.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is primarily that" is a grammatically correct phrase used to introduce the main reason or explanation for something. As Ludwig AI verifies, this phrase is most frequently found in news, media and science publications with a neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it introduces a clear and concise explanation. While alternatives like "is mainly that" or "is chiefly that" exist, the key is to use the phrase sparingly and avoid vagueness to maintain clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is chiefly that

Replaces "primarily" with "chiefly", indicating the main or most important reason.

is mainly that

Substitutes "primarily" with "mainly", suggesting the principal reason or focus.

is essentially that

Replaces "primarily" with "essentially", emphasizing the fundamental or basic reason.

is largely that

Changes "primarily" to "largely", indicating the reason is considerable or substantial.

is mostly that

Substitutes "primarily" with "mostly", suggesting the reason is predominant but not exclusive.

is basically that

Replaces "primarily" with "basically", indicating a simplified or fundamental reason.

is fundamentally that

Changes "primarily" to "fundamentally", emphasizing the foundational reason.

is predominantly that

Substitutes "primarily" with "predominantly", meaning the reason is the most common or strongest.

is, in essence, that

Adds "in essence" for emphasis, highlighting the core or central reason.

stems primarily from the fact that

Uses a different structure to attribute the cause to a particular fact, adding a layer of formality.

FAQs

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

You can use "is primarily that" to introduce the main reason or explanation for something. For example, "The problem "is primarily that" we lack resources."

What are some alternatives to "is primarily that"?

Alternatives include "is mainly that", "is chiefly that", or "is essentially that", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "is primarily that" or "is mainly that"?

Both phrases are acceptable and often interchangeable. "Is primarily that" suggests the main reason, while "is mainly that" might imply the largest contributing factor.

When should I avoid using "is primarily that"?

Avoid using "is primarily that" when a more specific or nuanced explanation is required. In such cases, consider rephrasing to provide a more detailed and precise reason.