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
mainly associated with
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "mainly associated with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is primarily linked or connected to a particular subject or concept. Example: "The symptoms of the disease are mainly associated with respiratory issues."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(3)
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
60 human-written examples
These families were mainly associated with the Alphaproteobacteria (Table 1).
Science & Research
They were mainly associated with dissected areas.
Science
In 2011, fluctuations were mainly associated with sporadic rain events (Fig. 3a).
Science & Research
Their spread is mainly associated with anthropogenic activities.
Originally, macrophage activation was mainly associated with phagocytic function.
Science
Nowadays, the name is mainly associated with the scallop shell characteristic, originally, of the madeleines of Commercy in Lorraine.
News & Media
Aurora A is mainly associated with the spindle poles during mitosis, where it is required for centrosome separation and maturation.
Science & Research
This transformation first occurred in Germany and is mainly associated with the University of Halle (founded 1694).
Encyclopedias
He enjoyed the company of grandiloquent men and mainly associated with men of the left.
Encyclopedias
Lake eutrophication has long been mainly associated with phosphorus (P) inputs from overland flow.
Science
For the dwell times under tension, the intergranular damage was mainly associated with precipitate-assist voids.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "mainly associated with", ensure the association you are describing is genuinely the most prominent one. Avoid exaggerating the connection.
Common error
Avoid using "mainly associated with" when describing minor or infrequent associations. This can mislead the reader about the true significance of the link.
Source & Trust
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "mainly associated with" functions as a linking expression, connecting a subject with its primary attribute, cause, or characteristic. It indicates a strong but not necessarily exclusive relationship. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a standard and acceptable English phrase.
Frequent in
Science
69%
News & Media
19%
Encyclopedias
3%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Reference
0%
Social Media
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "mainly associated with" serves to highlight the principal connection between two elements, denoting a primary relationship that isn't necessarily exclusive. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable English phrase. Its usage is especially prevalent in scientific literature, news articles and encyclopedias. When using the phrase, ensure you are accurately representing the most significant association. While alternatives like "primarily related to" or "chiefly connected to" exist, the core function remains consistent: establishing a key link between concepts.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
primarily related to
This alternative emphasizes the primary connection or relationship but uses "related" instead of "associated".
primarily linked with
Similar to "primarily related to", but uses "linked" to express the connection.
chiefly connected to
Replaces "mainly associated" with "chiefly connected", highlighting the principal link or connection.
mostly connected with
Emphasizes that the connection is the majority one but not exclusively.
largely attributed to
This alternative focuses on the cause or origin, suggesting that something is mainly caused or influenced by something else.
frequently tied to
Uses "tied to" to represent a strong link or dependency between two elements.
generally related to
Indicates a common association or relationship but without the strong emphasis on being the primary one.
commonly identified with
Suggests a prevailing perception or understanding of a connection.
typically correlated with
Highlights a statistical relationship or pattern of co-occurrence.
predominantly concerned with
Shifts the focus to the subject being primarily about or dealing with something.
FAQs
What does "mainly associated with" mean?
It means that something is primarily connected or linked to a particular thing, though not exclusively. Other connections may exist, but this is the most prominent.
How can I use "mainly associated with" in a sentence?
Use it to show the primary relationship or connection between two subjects. For instance, "Lake eutrophication has long been "mainly associated with" phosphorus (P) inputs from overland flow."
What are some alternatives to "mainly associated with"?
You can use alternatives like "primarily related to", "chiefly connected to", or "largely attributed to" depending on the specific context.
When should I avoid using "mainly associated with"?
Avoid using it when the connection you're describing isn't genuinely the most prominent. It's best to use it when the connection is well-established and widely recognized.
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
84%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested