it is primarily

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is primarily" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is mainly or chiefly the case, often when discussing the main purpose or characteristic of a subject. Example: "The project is primarily focused on improving community engagement and participation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It is primarily known for its dates, sweetened in the desert sun, and desert safaris.

The New York Times

It is primarily aquatic and omnivorous.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But it is primarily red.

The Guardian

It is primarily an emotional issue.

The New York Times - Tech

Today, it is primarily a golf club.

The New York Times - Travel

It is primarily about making things right.

The Guardian - Opinion

But it is primarily a land power.

The New York Times

Mr. Müller contends it is primarily an American malady.

The New York Times

And it is primarily after-the-fact enforcement at that.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is primarily interested today in managing American power.

The New York Times

It is primarily designed to safeguard workers' rights.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "it is primarily", ensure that the rest of your sentence offers clear context. This helps readers understand precisely what facet or function you're highlighting as primary.

Common error

Avoid using "it is primarily" when the subject has multiple aspects of near equal importance. In such cases, consider using phrases that suggest shared importance, such as "it is equally", or avoid making any qualifications at all.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is primarily" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It serves to emphasize the main aspect, purpose, or characteristic of the subject being discussed. This is evidenced by Ludwig, which provides numerous examples showcasing this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

20%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is primarily" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase that serves to highlight the main aspect or purpose of a subject. As shown by Ludwig, it frequently appears in news, scientific, and general writing. To ensure clarity, use it when you want to emphasize the chief characteristic, but avoid overstating its exclusivity when multiple aspects exist. Choosing suitable alternatives, such as "it is mainly" or "it is chiefly", can enhance expression. Remember that while the phrase is adaptable to various contexts, awareness of potential misinterpretations guarantees effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is mainly

Replaces "primarily" with "mainly", indicating the chief or principal aspect.

it is chiefly

Uses "chiefly" instead of "primarily", emphasizing the principal element.

it is largely

Substitutes "primarily" with "largely", suggesting the greater part or extent.

it is mostly

Replaces "primarily" with "mostly", denoting the majority or greater portion.

it is fundamentally

Uses "fundamentally" instead of "primarily", stressing the basic or essential nature.

it is essentially

Replaces "primarily" with "essentially", highlighting the inherent qualities.

it is principally

Substitutes "primarily" with "principally", emphasizing the main or most important.

its primary focus is

Changes the structure to emphasize the focus rather than the subject, using "primary focus".

the main purpose is

Shifts the structure to highlight the purpose, using "main purpose" instead of describing a characteristic.

it's significant aspect is

Changes the construction to highlight a "significant aspect" instead of a general overview.

FAQs

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

You can use "it is primarily" to indicate that something is mainly or chiefly the case. For example, "The project "it is primarily" focused on improving community engagement".

What phrases are similar to "it is primarily"?

Alternatives to "it is primarily" include "it is mainly", "it is chiefly", or "it is largely", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "it is primarily" in formal writing?

Yes, "it is primarily" is suitable for formal writing. It is a clear and direct way to express the main focus or characteristic of a subject. However, be mindful of overusing it, as varied sentence structures can improve readability.

What's the difference between "it is primarily" and "it is exclusively"?

"It is primarily" means something is mainly or chiefly the case, while "it is exclusively" means it is only the case. For example, "The research "it is primarily" focused on this topic" suggests other areas may be touched upon, whereas "The research "it is exclusively" focused on this topic" means no other areas are considered.