mainly with reference to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mainly with reference to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a topic or subject that is primarily focused on a specific aspect or context. Example: "The report discusses the economic impacts of climate change, mainly with reference to agricultural sectors."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The problem of sexual harassment in UK universities has come under the spotlight in recent years, but mainly with reference to student behaviour and so-called "lad culture" on campus rather than staff harassment of students.

The Guardian

Their form and genesis are discussed mainly with reference to sites at French River and Wilton Creek, Ontario, though some remarkable bedrock erosional forms in Antarctica support their regional extent.

Quaternary International

This technique has been widely studied in the literature mainly with reference to short columns, while no extensive information is available on the influence of second order effects on its efficacy in case of slender members.

Engineering Structures

Respondents commonly referred to the concepts of fortune (sonam) and sin (dikpa) with regards to karma and morality, and mainly with reference to this life rather than a fortuitous rebirth.

Human Ecology

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Additionally, this stream of research suggests that switching the terminology from 'people' to 'human resources' reflects a conceptual reorientation extending the focus from a person job fit-approach at the individual level to the distinct value of the HR stock at the organizational level of analysis, mainly with references to the resource-based view (Snell et al. 2001; Ployhart et al. 2009).

Business Research

Second, the comparison of both tasks was mainly made with reference to identified processes of each task in regardless of test scores.

Language Testing in Asia

Although the method has a more general applicability, for illustrative purpose, it is here mainly shown with reference to power-law rheological model and two different materials (tara gum mixture and dough of water and flour).

Journal of Food Engineering

Academic achievement has been mainly measured with reference to the grade point average –GPA- [ 33, 35, 42- 45].

BMC Medical Education

Furthermore, although we mainly expected gains with reference to overhead, we also observed reductions of up to 50% in the handover time.

Ad Hoc Networks

The FTNS has mainly been applied with reference to specific food technologies or certain types of foods linked to the use of sophisticated, new technological processes (Cox and Evans 2008; Evans et al. 2010a).

Agricultural and Food Economics

In medieval and post-Reformation Europe, for example, there was considerable concern with the qualifications and background of teachers, mainly but not entirely with reference to their religious beliefs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "mainly with reference to" when you want to clearly indicate that your discussion is primarily focused on a specific aspect or context within a broader topic. This helps to narrow the scope and provide clarity to your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "mainly with reference to" in casual or informal writing. This phrase is best suited for academic, scientific, or formal contexts where a precise and focused tone is desired. In less formal settings, consider simpler alternatives such as "mainly about" or "mostly concerning".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mainly with reference to" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a verb or noun, indicating the primary subject or context of a discussion or analysis. Ludwig examples show this phrase clarifying the scope of arguments or studies.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "mainly with reference to" is a prepositional phrase used to indicate that a discussion or analysis is primarily focused on a specific aspect or context. As Ludwig AI indicates, its grammatical status is correct, though its frequency is uncommon. It's most appropriate for formal, academic, and scientific writing, where precision is key. While effective for clarifying scope, it should be avoided in informal contexts where simpler alternatives are preferred. Alternatives include "primarily in relation to" or "chiefly concerning". Always consider the audience and context to ensure the phrase is used appropriately and effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primarily in relation to

This alternative emphasizes the connection or association with a specific subject, similar to the original phrase.

chiefly concerning

This phrase highlights the main topic or subject being discussed, much like "mainly with reference to".

principally regarding

Similar to the original phrase, this option indicates the primary area of focus or consideration.

largely pertaining to

This alternative suggests that the discussion is mainly about or related to a specific topic.

mostly in connection with

This phrase stresses the association or link to a particular subject, mirroring the original phrase's meaning.

mainly in the context of

This option explicitly states that the discussion is primarily within a specific setting or framework.

primarily focused on

This alternative directly indicates the main area of attention or concentration.

chiefly with regard to

This phrase is a formal way of saying that something is mainly about a specific topic or aspect.

mostly concerning itself with

This option implies that the primary concern or focus is on a particular subject.

principally directed at

This alternative suggests that the main effort or attention is aimed towards a specific topic or objective.

FAQs

What does "mainly with reference to" mean?

It means primarily focusing on or concerning a specific aspect or context within a broader topic. It's used to narrow the scope of a discussion or analysis.

When is it appropriate to use "mainly with reference to"?

It's appropriate in formal writing, academic papers, and scientific reports where precision and a clear focus are important. Avoid using it in casual conversation or informal writing.

What are some alternatives to "mainly with reference to"?

You can use alternatives such as "primarily in relation to", "chiefly concerning", or "principally regarding" depending on the specific context.

How can I use "mainly with reference to" in a sentence?

For example, "The research discusses the economic impacts of climate change, mainly with reference to agricultural sectors." Ensure that the rest of the sentence aligns with the specific focus indicated by the phrase.