is secondary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is secondary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is of lesser importance or priority compared to something else. Example: "While the main objective is to increase sales, customer satisfaction is secondary in this strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Victory is secondary.

The Economist

Outside (soto) is secondary.

The New York Times

Living there is secondary.

The New York Times

This is secondary.

The Guardian

Subject teaching is secondary.

Independent

Everything else is secondary.

The New York Times

Convenience is secondary.

The New York Times

"Politics is secondary today.

The New York Times

Afghanistan is secondary.

The New York Times

All else is secondary.

The New York Times - Arts

The Mets' relationship is secondary".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is secondary" when you want to clearly communicate that something is less important than something else, but still relevant. This helps to establish priorities within a discussion or argument.

Common error

Avoid using "is secondary" without clearly establishing what the primary element is. Failing to do so can leave your audience confused about the relationship between the two elements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is secondary" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a subject as being of lesser importance, priority, or rank compared to something else. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound and common in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is secondary" is a grammatically correct and very common way to express that something is of lesser importance or priority. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, with numerous examples drawn primarily from news and media sources. When using this phrase, ensure you clearly define what the primary element is to avoid confusion. Consider alternatives like "is less important" or "takes a backseat" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is less important

Directly indicates a lower level of importance.

is of minor concern

Emphasizes the reduced level of worry or attention required.

is subordinate

Highlights a hierarchical relationship where one thing is dependent on another.

takes a backseat

Suggests a temporary or permanent shift in priority.

is not a priority

Clearly states that something is not among the most important items.

is of lower priority

More formal way of indicating something's reduced importance.

is subsidiary

Highlights the supportive or auxiliary role of something.

is not the main focus

Directly indicates that something is not the central point of attention.

is incidental

Implies something is happening as a consequence of something else

is a side issue

Suggests that something is a less significant aspect of a larger matter.

FAQs

How can I use "is secondary" in a sentence?

You can use "is secondary" to indicate that something is of lesser importance compared to something else. For instance, "While increasing sales is the main objective, customer satisfaction "is secondary" in this strategy".

What are some alternatives to "is secondary"?

Alternatives include phrases like "is less important", "is of minor concern", or "takes a backseat". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "is secondary to"?

Yes, using "is secondary to" is grammatically correct. It emphasizes that the subject is less important in relation to the object of the preposition "to". For example, "Efficiency "is secondary to" safety".

How does "is secondary" compare to "is less important"?

While both phrases indicate a lower level of importance, "is secondary" often implies a sequential order or a hierarchy. "Is less important" is a more direct and general statement of reduced significance.