mainly or completely

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mainly or completely" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the extent to which something is true or applicable, indicating that it is either primarily or entirely the case. Example: "The project was mainly or completely focused on sustainability practices."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Experimental hybridization of diploids also resulted in mainly or completely seed-sterile hybrid progeny [ 93].

BMC Evolutionary Biology

In earlier analyses, we found an increase in the proportion of consultations assessed by GPs as being mainly or completely psychosocial, while they gave less room for disclosing emotion-related issues.

BMC Family Practice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The densification phenomenon in dry or completely drained sands mainly occurs when these materials are subjected to dynamic loadings.

Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering

Other subclades showed partially or completely overlapping distributions mainly across the state of São Paulo and surroundings.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Short-term interruptions of the continuous and automated system operation were mainly caused by external problems, such as "supply pump dry run", low level or completely dry inflow tank, and the aeration chamber level was very low.

Applied Water Science

Or completely change it".

The Guardian - Books

Later walks were roofed or completely enclosed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

People are rarely or completely so trapped.

The Economist

Or completely amazing?

Vice

However, some cristae are completely lamellar or completely tubular.

Cell Death and Disease

Or completely melted.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mainly or completely", ensure that both options are plausible within the context. This phrase is most effective when there's a genuine possibility of something being either predominantly or entirely true.

Common error

Avoid using "mainly or completely" in situations where the distinction between 'mainly' and 'completely' is trivial or nonexistent. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound repetitive or uncertain when a more precise term would be more effective.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mainly or completely" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the extent or degree to which something applies. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is often used to qualify a statement, indicating that something is either primarily or entirely the case.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

28%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "mainly or completely" serves as an adverbial modifier, used to express a range of applicability from primary to absolute. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, and while it appears more frequently in scientific and news-related contexts, its neutral register makes it versatile for various writing styles. When using this phrase, it's best to ensure both options are plausible and that the nuance it provides is necessary for clarity. Alternatives include "primarily or entirely" and "largely or wholly". The key is to ensure that its use adds value to your writing by accurately reflecting the intended degree of certainty or emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primarily or entirely

Emphasizes a choice between the main aspect and the whole, similar to the original phrase.

largely or wholly

Indicates a choice between the main part and the complete aspect, maintaining a close semantic relationship.

mostly or totally

Suggests the majority versus the entirety, keeping a similar meaning.

chiefly or fully

Highlights the principal element versus the total extent, preserving the semantic connection.

principally or exclusively

Focuses on the primary reason versus the single one, maintaining semantic closeness.

mainly or exclusively

Switches 'completely' for 'exclusively', emphasizing sole focus instead of total completion.

substantially or entirely

Indicates a significant portion or the whole, keeping a clear semantic link.

predominantly or fully

Highlights the dominant aspect versus the completed condition, preserving the meaning.

generally or absolutely

Suggests the common case versus the unqualified state, maintaining semantic similarity.

in large part or totally

Replaces 'mainly' with 'in large part' for emphasis on the substantial portion, without changing intent.

FAQs

How can I use "mainly or completely" in a sentence?

Use "mainly or completely" to describe the degree to which something is true or applicable. For example, "The study was mainly or completely focused on environmental issues."

What are some alternatives to "mainly or completely"?

You can use alternatives like "primarily or entirely", "largely or wholly", or "mostly or totally" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to use both "mainly" and "completely" together?

While "mainly" and "completely" can overlap, using them together emphasizes the range from a primary focus to an absolute state. Whether it's redundant depends on the context and the need for that emphasis.

When is it best to use "mainly or completely" instead of just "mainly"?

Use "mainly or completely" when you want to acknowledge the possibility that something might be entirely true, even if it's primarily true. This phrasing provides a more comprehensive description.