mainly in line

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mainly in line" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is generally consistent or aligned with a particular standard, expectation, or idea. Example: "The results of the study were mainly in line with previous research findings, suggesting a consistent trend."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Our results show that by publishing hospital quality information only in the mass media, almost six out of 10 physicians (55%) became aware of the NHQRS; this is mainly in line with findings from the US.

Health Economics Review

Our findings are mainly in line with other studies.

Plosone

The results were mainly in line with reports from other countries.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

The respondents' conceptions of decision-making capacity were mainly in line with standard theories.

BMC Medical Ethics

In conclusion, the results obtained under Swedish conditions were mainly in line with earlier reports.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

The results of our meta-analysis are mainly in line with a previous systematic review suggesting that protective ventilation significantly reduced the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications.

BMJ Open

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

15-PGDH was present in healthy and inflamed synovial tissue, mainly in lining macrophages, fibroblasts and vessels.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

5-LO and 15-LO-1 are present in RA and OA synovium, with 5-LO being mostly expressed in lining and sublining macrophages, neutrophils and mast cells and 15-LO-1 mainly in lining macrophages, fibroblasts and sublining endothelial cells.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

However, it is noted that the global VCE results for jerks and angular accelerations achieved from this dataset around 10 min are definitely not universal to describe the generic land vehicle's dynamics because this specific trajectory was mainly in straight line motion on the flat road and only experienced three sharp turns.

The Journal of Global Positioning Systems

In contrast, CCR5+ cells were detected mainly in the lining layer and in the sublining zone of the superficial subintima and, to a smaller extent, in the perivascular infiltrates of sublining layer and in the T and B cell aggregates.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Similarly to RA, the enzyme was found mainly in the lining layer in healthy tissue, PsA, and OA, although the expression was somewhat weaker in the lining synovial cells of healthy individuals compared with RA.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mainly in line" to express that something is generally consistent with existing data, standards, or expectations. Ensure that the context clearly indicates what the subject is aligning with.

Common error

Avoid using "mainly in line" when there are significant discrepancies or contradictions. Ensure that the 'mainly' accurately reflects the degree of consistency; otherwise, consider more nuanced language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mainly in line" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a statement, indicating the extent to which it aligns with a particular standard or expectation. It suggests a general consistency, allowing for minor deviations. Ludwig confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

69%

News & Media

23%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mainly in line" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to express general agreement or consistency, particularly in academic, scientific, and news contexts. While Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, it's important to use it judiciously, ensuring that the 'mainly' accurately reflects the degree of alignment. Alternative phrases like "largely consistent with" or "generally in agreement with" can provide similar nuances depending on the intended meaning. Remember to avoid overstating the level of alignment when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

largely consistent with

Replaces 'mainly' with 'largely', emphasizing a high degree of consistency.

generally in agreement with

Indicates a general level of agreement, focusing on the aspect of being in accordance.

mostly in accordance with

Similar to 'mainly in line', but uses 'accordance' to highlight conformity.

primarily aligned with

Replaces 'mainly' with 'primarily' and 'line' with 'aligned', suggesting a principal alignment.

substantially in conformity with

Emphasizes a significant level of conformity, making it suitable for formal contexts.

chiefly consistent with

Similar to 'mainly,' but 'chiefly' highlights the primary aspect of consistency.

predominantly in sync with

Suggests the predominant element is in synchronization, focusing on timing and harmony.

largely corresponding with

Highlights the correspondence aspect of being similar or analogous.

principally in unison with

Emphasizes a principal agreement or harmony, often used in more formal contexts.

generally tracking with

Suggests that something is generally following or keeping pace with something else.

FAQs

How can I use "mainly in line" in a sentence?

You can use "mainly in line" to indicate that something is generally consistent or aligned with something else. For example: "The study's findings are mainly in line with previous research."

What are some alternatives to "mainly in line"?

Alternatives include "largely consistent with", "generally in agreement with", or "mostly in accordance with", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "mainly in line" formal or informal?

"Mainly in line" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though it is frequently used in academic and professional writing. Its neutrality makes it versatile.

What does "mainly in line" imply about the degree of agreement?

"Mainly in line" suggests a general agreement or consistency, but allows for some deviations or exceptions. It indicates that the primary aspects are consistent, even if minor details may differ.