it mainly is

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'it mainly is' is correct and can be used in written English.
You use it to provide an explanation or to emphasize a point. For example: "The focus of the team is on customer service; it mainly is what drives our success."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It is unknown how exercise exerts its beneficial role in OA, and whether it mainly is accomplished via a stabilisation of the joints through muscle strength and control, or whether exercise has a direct effect upon the joint cartilage and the synovium.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

The market does not value Berkshire as it would an insurance company, even though that is what it mainly is.

The New York Times

She knows there are fake people everywhere, but, she says: "I think the party scene is like another family, because that's what it mainly is.

The New York Times

This is not now the case of Catalonia, unhappy as it mainly is with the state which it was obliged to join three centuries ago.

The Guardian - Travel

While VR might not just be about gaming, it's accurate to say that, in 2018, it mainly is.

TechCrunch

From the analysis of urinary bladder contents (i.e., urine), a high level of oxygen content was found, which is expected as it mainly is composed of water.

EJNMMI Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

It's mainly been imported.

The New York Times - Food

"So far it's mainly been at the simulation level.

The Guardian - Sport

So far it has mainly been used for freight.

BBC

It's mainly male, it's mainly middle-aged".

BBC

"Mainly it's the altitude.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it mainly is" to clarify the primary aspect or function of something, ensuring your statement is direct and easily understood.

Common error

Avoid embedding "it mainly is" within overly complex sentences. Break down the sentence for clarity; sometimes, a more direct construction is more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it mainly is" functions as a clarifying statement, used to emphasize the principal characteristic or function of a subject. This grammatical role is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms the phrase's correctness and utility in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

40%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it mainly is" serves as a clarifying phrase to emphasize the primary characteristic or function of a subject. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and utility. Although "it mainly is" appears less frequently than other similar phrases, it is employed across diverse contexts, including news media and scientific publications, underscoring its versatility. When using "it mainly is", ensure it enhances clarity and is not embedded within excessively complex sentence structures. Alternatives like ""it primarily is"" or ""it largely is"" offer nuanced options for expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it primarily is

Replaces "mainly" with "primarily", emphasizing the principal aspect.

it principally is

Substitutes "mainly" with "principally", highlighting the fundamental nature.

it largely is

Uses "largely" instead of "mainly", indicating a significant portion or extent.

it mostly is

Replaces "mainly" with "mostly", denoting the majority or greater part.

it predominantly is

Employs "predominantly" in place of "mainly", stressing the prevailing element.

it essentially is

Substitutes "mainly" with "essentially", emphasizing the fundamental or intrinsic nature.

it basically is

Uses "basically" instead of "mainly", suggesting a simple or fundamental explanation.

it almost always is

Indicates a high degree of frequency, close to being constant.

its focus is

Focuses on the central point or purpose of something.

its core is

Highlights the essential or fundamental component.

FAQs

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

Use "it mainly is" to emphasize the primary characteristic or function of something. For example, "While the company has various revenue streams, "it mainly is" the software sales that drive profits".

What are some alternatives to "it mainly is"?

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

Is "it mainly is" formal or informal?

The phrase "it mainly is" is generally suitable for neutral contexts. While not overly formal, it's acceptable in many types of writing.

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

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "it mainly is" places more emphasis on the "mainly" aspect, highlighting what the subject primarily constitutes. "It is mainly", on the other hand, is a slightly more balanced statement.