it was chiefly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was chiefly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something was primarily or mainly a certain way or involved a specific aspect. Example: "The success of the project was chiefly due to the team's dedication and hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedia

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It was chiefly its wealth that tempted Frederick II (the Great) of Prussia to wrest Silesia from the Habsburg heiress Maria Teresa in the War of the Austrian Succession (1740 48).

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was chiefly a product of its leaders' passion and cunning.

The Economist

Tequila is produced from the heart of the agave plant, the underground fibrous part known as the pina, which is harvested, crushed, fermented and then distilled into the spirit that gets its name from a town where, in centuries past, it was chiefly produced.

Huffington Post

SPEER: No, it was chiefly a technical organization.

Yale University

It was chiefly due to him that the shehnai became so highly regarded.

The Guardian

It was chiefly composed of imaginative landscapes in the Chinese manner and illustrations of Chinese legends and tales.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

In another essay, he states that it is "chiefly in its presence that the world's reality resides".

The Guardian - Books

Such as their literature is, it is chiefly confined to the priesthood.

Cornell University

Instead of being used for an entire season, it is chiefly a two-day retreat.

The New Yorker

It is chiefly a response to Washington's own obsession with the subject.

The Economist

But it's chiefly a gentleman's agreement, reliant on neighbourly goodwill.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was chiefly", ensure that the rest of your sentence clearly explains the specific reason, factor, or element that was most important. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it was chiefly" when you only want to indicate one of many important things, without suggesting it was the most important. If there were multiple equally important factors, consider alternatives to avoid misleading your reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was chiefly" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a clause. It emphasizes that a particular factor, reason, or aspect was the most important or prominent one. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent and correct usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

22%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Science

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was chiefly" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the primary reason or factor contributing to a situation. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically sound and finds frequent application across diverse contexts such as news, encyclopedias, and academic writing. When using the phrase, clarity is key: ensure the sentence explicitly states the most important factor. While "it was chiefly" is suitable for formal writing, neutral alternatives like "it was mainly" or "it was primarily" can also be used. Avoid overstating if it isn't truly the main cause.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was mainly

Replaces "chiefly" with "mainly", indicating the principal aspect or reason.

it was primarily

Substitutes "chiefly" with "primarily", emphasizing the main purpose or cause.

it was principally

Uses "principally" instead of "chiefly", highlighting the most important factor.

it was largely

Replaces "chiefly" with "largely", suggesting a significant portion or extent.

it was mostly

Substitutes "chiefly" with "mostly", indicating the greatest part or number.

it was essentially

Uses "essentially" instead of "chiefly", focusing on the fundamental nature or quality.

it was fundamentally

Replaces "chiefly" with "fundamentally", emphasizing the basic or central aspect.

it was predominantly

Substitutes "chiefly" with "predominantly", highlighting the prevailing element or influence.

it was above all

Uses "above all" instead of "chiefly", stressing the most important consideration.

it was in the main

Replaces "chiefly" with "in the main", indicating the overall or general aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "it was chiefly" in a sentence?

Use "it was chiefly" to indicate that something was primarily or mainly due to a specific reason, factor, or element. For example, "The project's success "it was chiefly" the team's collaborative effort that drove innovation".

What are some alternatives to "it was chiefly"?

You can use alternatives like "it was mainly", "it was primarily", or "it was largely" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the nuance you want to emphasize.

Is "it was chiefly" formal or informal?

"It was chiefly" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, consider using more precise language to avoid ambiguity.

What's the difference between "it was chiefly" and "it was partly"?

"It was chiefly" indicates that something was mainly or primarily due to a specific factor, whereas "it was partly" suggests that the factor was only one of several contributing elements. "It was chiefly the budget constraints that delayed the project" implies the budget was the biggest issue; "It was partly the budget constraints that delayed the project" indicates other factors were involved too.