is principally known

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is principally known" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the primary or main way in which something is recognized or identified. Example: "The artist is principally known for her vibrant use of color in her paintings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

He is principally known as a member of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, and that doesn't give much sense of what he's capable of, both compositionally and improvisationally.

The New York Times

Ms. Burton is principally known as an American actress, but she went Brit most convincingly on Broadway in "The Elephant Man".

The New York Times

She is principally known for her reportage work, notably from conflict zones, and has worked for the Associated Press and the New York Times.

The Economist

But though she has appeared on Broadway before (receiving a Tony nomination for her work in August Wilson's "Piano Lesson"), Ms. Merkerson is principally known as Lt. Anita Van Buren, the no-nonsense police boss of "Law & Order" on television.

The New York Times

Taking up photography seriously only in 1851, he presented an album of 300 flower photographs in Paris three years later; it is these for which he is principally known today.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Kang, a global citizen based in Seattle, is principally known as a violist and violinist and is widely recognized for his work with a diverse range artists and bandleaders — Laurie Anderson, Bill Frisell, Beth Orton, Mr. Zorn, Beck.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

The artist Jean Giraud was principally known for his work on comic books under two pen names.

The Guardian - Books

In his lifetime, Amo was principally known as a legal theorist.

The New York Times

Though the most influential of free jazz trumpeters also played with rock and reggae groups, he was principally known as a jazz artist.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) and thioredoxin are principally known for their role in detoxification reactions (Board and Menon 2013).

Botanical Studies

Of these P. ferrugineum is relatively widespread in Sabah, whereas P. ramiflorum, P. resiniferum and P. longisepalum are principally known from Kinabalu Park in Sabah, but also occur elsewhere in Southeast Asia.

Botanical Studies

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is principally known" when you want to highlight the main reason or aspect for which someone or something is recognized or famous. It's best suited for formal writing where precision is important.

Common error

Avoid using "is principally known" in casual or informal writing. It can sound overly formal and stilted in everyday conversation or less formal writing styles. Use more natural alternatives like "is mainly known" or "is best known" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is principally known" functions as a descriptor, primarily serving to identify the main reason or attribute for which someone or something is recognized. This function is supported by the examples from Ludwig, which illustrate its use in various contexts to highlight the primary claim to fame or recognition.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is principally known" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English used to denote the primary reason for someone or something's recognition. As Ludwig AI shows, it appears most frequently in news and media and scientific contexts, maintaining a neutral to professional register. While it is a useful phrase for formal writing, it should be used sparingly in informal settings where alternatives like "is mainly known" or "is best known" might be more appropriate. Remember to use it when you want to emphasize the core aspect of recognition, ensuring clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is mainly known

Replaces "principally" with "mainly", indicating the most common but not necessarily exclusive reason.

is primarily recognized

Substitutes "principally known" with "primarily recognized", emphasizing acknowledgment.

is chiefly known

Uses "chiefly" instead of "principally", suggesting the most important reason.

is largely known

Replaces "principally" with "largely", indicating a substantial but not necessarily total basis.

is best known

Indicates the most famous or well-regarded aspect.

is mainly recognized as

Specifies the area or role in which someone is recognized.

is primarily identified as

Focuses on identification rather than general knowledge.

is predominantly known

Uses "predominantly" to suggest a more significant degree of prevalence.

is widely known for

Highlights broad public awareness.

is particularly known for

Emphasizes a specific aspect for which someone or something is known.

FAQs

What does "is principally known" mean?

The phrase "is principally known" means that someone or something is primarily or mainly recognized for a specific reason, quality, or achievement. It emphasizes the most important aspect for which they are known.

How can I use "is principally known" in a sentence?

You can use "is principally known" to highlight the main attribute or accomplishment that defines someone or something. For example, "She "is principally known" for her research in quantum physics."

What can I say instead of "is principally known"?

You can use alternatives like "is mainly known", "is primarily recognized", or "is best known" depending on the context. These alternatives offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

Is "is principally known" formal or informal?

"Is principally known" leans towards the formal side. More informal options include "is mostly known" or "is best known for" for casual contexts.