mainly

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'mainly' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a primary or main point, or when you are talking about a majority or a predominant part of something. Example sentence: "I mainly focus on my studies during the week, but I like to have some fun on the weekends."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were arrested as a result of the British policy of internment without trial in 1971 when thousands of suspects, mainly from Ireland's nationalist-republican community, were rounded up.

The Guardian

The report responds to lawmakers, mainly Republicans, who have argued that federal authorities must do much more to strengthen enforcement before Congress can consider any legalization for an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants in the country.

The New York Times

But watching over a ten-minute period, the demand for pictures was mainly for Romney.

The Guardian

The V&A's archive (which is mainly post-1920) includes jokes that would have been rejected by comedians on the working-men's clubs circuit, even in the Seventies.

The Guardian

We've mainly discussed questions of his stay here, as well as his questions about human rights.

The Guardian

In the commercial domain it will mainly provide opportunities for business transactions, but for the BBC it's a whole other resource.

The Guardian

I'm living at the Seamen's Rest now – it's mainly for ex-servicemen and seamen, but it's also for local people.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The service charge would be split among servers and cooks, which would give servers roughly the same income if they also get a 5% tip, but would mainly help to boost the cooks' pay to closer to $20, he said.

The Guardian - Business

In a speech mainly devoted to the Middle East, President Obama told the UN general assembly in New York that "the regime of Bashar al-Assad must come to an end so that the suffering of the Syrian people can stop, and a new dawn can begin".

The Guardian

While the practice has mainly been restricted to finishing off performances of actors who died midway through filming – such as Paul Walker in Fast and Furious 7 – it has also been utilised by advertisers, keen to attach famous faces to their brands.

The Guardian

For drivers aged over 25, the impact of an NCD is seen mainly in the early years.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mainly", consider whether a more precise adverb (e.g., "primarily", "chiefly") might be more appropriate for the specific context.

Common error

Avoid relying on "mainly" when a more specific description can provide greater clarity. For example, instead of "The audience was mainly students", specify, "The audience comprised 70% students".

How to use

Learn how to use "mainly" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The adverb "mainly" modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb to indicate the primary or principal aspect of an action, quality, or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound. Examples on Ludwig show it modifying various actions in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mainly" functions as an adverb to denote the primary or principal aspect of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and finds frequent use across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. While suitable for both formal and informal writing, it's most effective when highlighting a dominant component or focus. To ensure precision, consider alternatives like "primarily" or "chiefly" when greater specificity is needed. Avoid overuse to prevent vagueness, and as Ludwig examples demonstrate, strive for clarity by specifying the exact proportion or composition when possible. The analysis of real-world examples reveals its versatile application, solidifying its role as a valuable tool in written communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

principally

Emphasizes the foremost or most important factor.

chiefly

Indicates the most important or common element.

primarily

Highlights the fundamental or original aspect.

mostly

Suggests a large proportion or the greater part.

largely

Implies a considerable extent or degree.

predominantly

Focuses on the most noticeable or powerful element.

for the most part

Indicates what is generally or usually the case.

in the main

Highlights the most important aspect or feature.

on the whole

Suggests a general overview or summary.

above all

Emphasizes the most significant or crucial aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "mainly" in a sentence?

"Mainly" is used to indicate the primary component or focus of something. For example: "The report "mainly focused" on economic issues."

What are some alternatives to the word "mainly"?

Alternatives include "primarily", "chiefly", and "principally". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

While grammatically permissible, starting a sentence with "mainly" is generally less formal and less common. It is better to rephrase the sentence for improved clarity.

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

Both "mainly" and "mostly" indicate a large proportion, but "mainly" suggests a primary focus or reason, while "mostly" refers to the greater part in terms of quantity or degree.