it is mainly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is mainly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is primarily or predominantly true in a particular context. Example: "The success of the project is mainly due to the team's hard work and dedication."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is mainly applied against drug addicts.

The Economist

It is mainly a processing center.

The New York Times

It is mainly about Britain.

The Guardian - Opinion

After all, it is mainly positive.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(It is mainly about the stories.

The Guardian - Books

Reading it is mainly the preserve of academics and students.

The Guardian - Books

For some people, it is mainly a cosmetic issue.

The New York Times - Health

"In terms of deaths, it is mainly children," he said.

The Guardian

It is mainly here, though, that he manipulates them.

The New York Times - Books

"It is mainly solo standups at the moment," admits Henley.

The Guardian

It is mainly written for professionals or graduate students.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is mainly", ensure the context is clear about what the 'it' refers to. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "it is mainly" when referring to concepts that are multi-faceted and have exceptions. Being too general can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is mainly" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to specify the primary aspect or focus of something. As Ludwig AI suggests, this is a standard and acceptable construction in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is mainly" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to highlight the primary or dominant aspect of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is widely accepted and frequently appears in diverse contexts, especially in News & Media and Science. When using "it is mainly", clarity and context are key to ensure the sentence's meaning is unambiguous and contributes effectively to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is primarily

Focuses on the element of 'primary' importance.

it is largely

Emphasizes a greater extent or degree.

it is mostly

Highlights the 'majority' aspect.

it is chiefly

Stresses the 'principal' or 'leading' quality.

it is predominantly

Indicates a prevailing or dominant feature.

it is principally

Highlights the main or fundamental aspect.

it mainly involves

Shifts focus to the actions or components.

it is essentially

Focuses on the core or fundamental nature.

it primarily consists of

Specifies the key components or constituents.

the emphasis is mainly on

Shifts focus to the concept of emphasis.

FAQs

How can I use "it is mainly" in a sentence?

Use "it is mainly" to highlight the primary aspect or characteristic of a subject. For instance, "The movie "it is mainly about love", but also explores themes of loss and redemption."

What are some alternatives to "it is mainly"?

Alternatives include "it is primarily", "it is mostly", or "it is largely". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it is mainly because"?

Yes, "it is mainly because" is grammatically correct and commonly used to introduce the primary reason for something. Example: "The project succeeded, "it is mainly because of teamwork"."

What's the difference between "it is mainly" and "it is only"?

"It is mainly" suggests a primary focus or characteristic, while "it is only" indicates a limitation or exclusivity. For instance, "the course "it is mainly for beginners"" versus "it is only for beginners".