mainly through

USAGE SUMMARY

"mainly through" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a three-word preposition phrase that can be used to indicate a means of achieving something. Example sentence: I was able to learn new skills mainly through online courses.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

SC: Mainly through social media.

Independent

She communicates mainly through squeaks and grunts.

The New York Times

They communicated mainly through instant messaging.

The New Yorker

We do this mainly through participatory design.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

So its collection grew mainly through gifts.

The New York Times - Arts

Rank descended mainly through the mother.

Britannica

Investigations showed that SARS is spread mainly through droplet transmission.

Yale University

Brain cells communicate with each other mainly through electrical signals.

Harvard University

The water flows mainly through these two wadis towards downtown.

Columbia University

Boyle's international audience has learned of her mainly through YouTube.

The Guardian

Early tattoos of American sailors are known mainly through description.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "mainly through", ensure that the context implies that other methods or channels might exist, but are of lesser importance.

Common error

Avoid using "mainly through" when the method described is the only way something is achieved. In such cases, use phrases like "only through" or "exclusively through" to accurately reflect the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mainly through" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or clause, indicating the principal means or method by which an action is performed or a result is achieved. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

27%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mainly through" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to highlight the primary means by which something is achieved. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread applicability across diverse contexts, including news, academia, and science. While alternatives like "largely through" and "primarily through" exist, it's crucial to avoid overstating exclusivity by using "mainly through" when the described method is the only way. With its neutral register and frequent usage, mastering "mainly through" enhances clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Primarily through

Highlights the principal or chief means.

Chiefly through

Indicates the most important or dominant means.

Namely through

Specifies a particular example or method.

Principally through

Similar to 'chiefly through', denoting the main way.

Mostly through

Suggests that the method is the one that occurs the majority of times.

Predominantly through

Highlights a method that has prevailing influence or force.

Largely through

Emphasizes the extent or proportion of the means.

Substantially through

Emphasizes the significant impact of the method.

In large part through

Highlights that a big portion of something is reached using the method.

Primarily by means of

This alternative expresses the idea of using something as a main way.

FAQs

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

Use "mainly through" to indicate the primary means by which something is accomplished. For example, "The company grew mainly through online sales."

What are some alternatives to "mainly through"?

You can use alternatives such as "largely through", "primarily through", or "chiefly through" to express a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "mainly through"?

Yes, "mainly through" is a correct and commonly used phrase in English to indicate the primary means or method by which something is achieved or occurs.

How does "mainly through" differ from "only through"?

"Mainly through" suggests that other methods are possible but less significant, while "only through" indicates that there is no other way to achieve the result.