it was mainly

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was mainly" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to introduce the main or most important aspect of a sentence or idea. Example: It was mainly her determination and hard work that led her to success.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

It was mainly verbal.

The New York Times

It was mainly one officer.

Independent

But it was mainly show.

The New Yorker

It was mainly baby stuff.

Independent

It was mainly intuition.

The Guardian - Music

It was mainly wait".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

It's mainly about its people," Hassan said.

Huffington Post

It's mainly tourists.

The New York Times

It's mainly porn".

The New York Times

It's mainly been imported.

The New York Times - Food

It's mainly for odors".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was mainly" to clearly indicate the primary component or characteristic of a situation or subject, ensuring that the main focus is immediately evident to the reader.

Common error

Avoid starting too many consecutive sentences with "it was mainly". Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony. For example, use "'it primarily involved'" or "'the focus was primarily on'" to add diversity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was mainly" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying the verb in the main clause. According to Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase. It emphasizes the primary aspect or component of a situation, action, or entity. For example, "It was mainly verbal" highlights the nature of the interaction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was mainly" is a common and grammatically sound way to emphasize the primary aspect of something. According to Ludwig AI, it's a correct and usable phrase for written English. It's frequently used in news and media to specify the predominant element. While versatile, be mindful of overuse and consider alternatives like "it primarily involved" or "the focus was primarily on" to maintain variety in your writing. By understanding its function, purpose, and register, you can effectively incorporate "it was mainly" into your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it primarily involved

This alternative focuses on the involvement of something as a primary element.

it largely consisted of

This emphasizes the composition or makeup of something.

it mostly comprised

Similar to 'consisted of', but stresses inclusion or composition.

the focus was primarily on

This shifts the emphasis to the 'focus' being on a specific aspect.

the majority of it was

Highlights that the bigger part consisted of something.

it was principally

Uses a more formal tone to indicate the main element.

it chiefly concerned

This indicates a matter that was the main issue.

it centrally featured

Highlights the central or key aspect.

it was essentially

Indicates the fundamental or core nature of something.

at its core, it was

Emphasizes the fundamental nature of something.

FAQs

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

Use "it was mainly" to highlight the most significant aspect of a situation. For example, "The success of the project, "it was mainly" because of her dedication."

What are some alternatives to "it was mainly"?

You can use alternatives such as "it primarily involved", "it largely consisted of", or "the focus was primarily on" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to start a sentence with "it was mainly"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "it was mainly". However, ensure the sentence flows logically and clearly conveys the intended meaning.

What is the difference between "it was mainly" and "it was mostly"?

While both phrases indicate a majority, "it was mainly" often emphasizes the primary aspect or reason, whereas "it was mostly" simply implies quantity. For example, "The problem, "it was mainly" a communication issue" focuses on the cause. On the other hand, "The attendees, "it was mostly" students" describes the composition of the group.