mainly that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mainly that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a primary focus or reason for something that follows in a sentence. Example: "The report highlights several issues, mainly that the budget is insufficient for the upcoming project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But mainly that name though.

Independent

Mainly that was because of certain restrictions on executive compensation.

The New York Times

It is the figures, mainly, that cow us into silence.

The New York Times

Mr. Lehrer did not ask whether the proposal would benefit "mainly" that group.

The New York Times

"Mainly, that means places like Hicksville instead of Manhasset," he said in a recent interview in his office.

The New York Times

There were health gains to married couples over cohabiters, but I think mainly that has to do with health insurance.

Huffington Post

Mainly that it is sad.

The New York Times

But she isn't only or even mainly that.

The Guardian - Books

Well, mainly that she was extremely good at Scrabble.

The Guardian - Travel

Mainly that I didn't do Alan Shearer when I had the chance.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

She has complained that investors, analysts and journalists are misunderstanding the deal mainly that it's not just about PCs.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mainly that" to introduce the most significant point or consequence after presenting initial information or context. This helps to clearly signal the key takeaway to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "mainly that" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise and sophisticated language may be expected. Opt for alternatives like "primarily because" or "chiefly due to" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mainly that" functions as an adverbial connector, linking a preceding statement to its principal cause, reason, or consequence. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts to introduce the core explanation or result.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "mainly that" is a versatile and common way to introduce the principal reason, result, or key point following an initial statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use across various sources, particularly in news and media. While suitable for general writing, it may be less appropriate in highly formal contexts where more precise language may be expected. Remember to use "mainly that" to clearly highlight the core explanation and emphasize the main takeaway for your reader. Alternatives include "primarily because" and "chiefly that".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mostly because

Similar to 'mainly that', but with a slightly stronger emphasis on causation.

chiefly that

Emphasizes the principal or most important aspect.

principally because

Indicates the primary reason or justification.

primarily because

Focuses on the cause or reason more directly.

largely due to

Highlights the influence or effect of the subsequent clause.

the primary factor is

Emphasizes the significance of the factor being introduced.

the main reason is that

States explicitly that the following clause is the key reason.

above all because

Indicates the most important reason.

for the most part

Highlights the majority of the cases and focuses on overall result.

to a great extent

Indicates how significant is what follows.

FAQs

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

Use "mainly that" to introduce the primary reason, result, or key point after providing some context. For example, "The project failed, mainly that the funding was insufficient".

What are some alternatives to "mainly that"?

Alternatives include "primarily because", "chiefly that", or "mostly because", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "mainly that" and "primarily that"?

"Mainly that" and "primarily that" are largely interchangeable, but "primarily that" suggests a stronger emphasis on the principal reason or factor.

When is it appropriate to use "mainly that" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "mainly that" in a variety of writing contexts, including news articles, blog posts, and reports, where you want to clearly highlight the main point. However, use caution in very formal or academic writing where more sophisticated phrasing might be preferred.