Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
it principally
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "it principally" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the main focus or primary aspect of a subject or topic. Example: "The report discusses the findings, but it principally highlights the need for further research."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Encyclopedias
Alternative expressions(2)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
38 human-written examples
She started at Amey in September last year and chose it principally because of its leadership graduate programme.
News & Media
The show made it principally because of the commitment of its creative team, a threesome that includes an Irish rock singer, the leading producer of what the British press call "yoof TV" (as in "Youth TV") and the youngest life peer in the House of Lords.
News & Media
Now we may remember it principally for Wimbledon '08.
News & Media
He continued to celebrate and remake the playthings that helped him make sense of it, principally toy boats.
News & Media
Now, if that's changed, it's not to my knowledge … to look at it principally through a criminal justice lens is wrong," he said.
News & Media
Foreigners may continue to view it principally as a discrete place to park money away from the gaze of tax authorities.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
20 human-written examples
And, while it's principally used for photography, it's also been appropriated for other artistic endeavors.
News & Media
It has principally turned its attention toward what new conservationists would call an "undervalued natural asset" — its waterways.
News & Media
It functions principally in oxygen delivery and provides muscle with its characteristic red colour.
Science
It feeds principally on fish.
Encyclopedias
It consists principally of menthol and menthone.
Encyclopedias
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "it principally" to clearly indicate the primary reason, function, or characteristic of something. This helps maintain clarity and focus in your writing.
Common error
Avoid using "it principally" in casual or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "mainly" or "mostly" in such contexts.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "it principally" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the primary reason, function, or characteristic. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and widely accepted.
Frequent in
News & Media
33%
Science
33%
Encyclopedias
11%
Less common in
Wiki
6%
Formal & Business
6%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "it principally" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adverbial phrase to emphasize the main aspect or primary reason for something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions to highlight the most significant point in a sentence, predominantly in news, science, and encyclopedia contexts. While versatile, it's best reserved for neutral to formal writing to maintain clarity and precision. Alternatives like "it mainly" or "it primarily" can be suitable substitutes in more informal settings.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
it primarily
Replaces "principally" with "primarily", emphasizing the main aspect.
it mainly
Substitutes "principally" with "mainly", indicating the major part or aspect.
it chiefly
Replaces "principally" with "chiefly", highlighting the most important element.
it largely
Uses "largely" instead of "principally", suggesting a significant portion or aspect.
it mostly
Employs "mostly" in place of "principally", indicating the greatest part.
it predominantly
Replaces "principally" with "predominantly", stressing the prevailing element.
it essentially
Substitutes "principally" with "essentially", pointing to the fundamental nature.
it basically
Uses "basically" instead of "principally", indicating the underlying or core aspect.
it especially
Replaces "principally" with "especially", singling out a particular element.
its main focus
Shifts the structure to emphasize the main focus, rather than using an adverb.
FAQs
How can I use "it principally" in a sentence?
Use "it principally" to highlight the main or primary reason for something. For example, "The study found that the drug helped patients, but "it principally" reduced inflammation".
What are some alternatives to "it principally"?
You can use alternatives such as "it mainly", "it primarily", or "it chiefly" depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.
Is it correct to say "principally it" instead of "it principally"?
While grammatically possible, "principally it" is less common and can sound awkward. "It principally" is the more standard and widely accepted phrasing.
What's the difference between "it principally" and "it partially"?
"It principally" means the main or primary reason, while "it partially" means only a part of the reason or effect. They indicate very different degrees of influence.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested