predominantly

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'predominantly' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is mostly or mainly something else. For example, you could say "This town is predominantly populated by young families."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The term "big wall" is generally used by climbers to describe some of the world's longest climbs – usually predominantly on rock involving up to 30 rope lengths, and on which most climbers would expect to spend days climbing.

The Guardian

Jesus's preaching was predominantly directed at his fellow Jews.

The Guardian - Opinion

"I got jeered at in a cafe in [the predominantly Muslim area of] El Príncipe because I was talking about peace and speaking out against jihad," he said.

The Guardian

Within this, symbolic landmarks like the Drum and Bell towers (of which only the Drum Tower survives), multi-tiered and symmetrically positioned, loomed over a predominantly flat landscape.

The Guardian

While Australian colonial frontier exploration and settlement is predominantly characterised with extreme violence, this exhibition – Fragile First Impressions – tells of a more (but not exclusively) peaceful engagement between the Bininj and white people beginning in the mid-19th century.

The Guardian

I loved her dearly and we had a very nice time, but on the Kinsey scale, I would say I was always predominantly gay.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Anyone who was interested in 'the arts' who grew up in the predominantly working-class north-east of the Seventies and Eighties couldn't help but be aware of a huge, and seemingly unbridgeable, divide between what was characterised as High and Low Art.

The Guardian - Film

Today, the European responses to Russia's actions are predominantly being shaped in the EU.

The Guardian

But all you really need to know is that electronic cigarettes are used predominantly by smokers who want to cut down or quit, and that they are tobacco-free, containing only nicotine, flavourings and stage smoke.

The Guardian

At a predominantly white all-girls school, I had a hard time feeling comfortable in my body when I was surrounded by thin white friends and teen magazines which held up women who looked totally different from me as paragons of beauty.

The Guardian - Opinion

Now, in my mid-30s and with widespread (and I think justified) rage at a predominantly Old Etonian government, I remain as ashamed of my school as ever.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "predominantly" to clearly indicate the main characteristic or feature of something, especially when precision regarding proportions is important. For example, use "The audience was predominantly female" instead of "The audience was mostly female" for added clarity.

Common error

While "predominantly" is a versatile word, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In informal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "mostly", "mainly", or "largely" to maintain a more relaxed tone.

How to use

Learn how to use "predominantly" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "predominantly" is as an adverb. It modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to indicate that something occurs mainly or mostly. Ludwig AI validates its usage as a correct and usable adverb.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

18%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "predominantly" functions as an adverb that indicates the main or most common characteristic of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used, especially in formal and journalistic contexts. While "predominantly" is versatile, it's advisable to choose simpler alternatives like "mainly" or "mostly" in more casual settings. Common usage includes describing demographics, features, or influences. Remember that correct spelling is "predominantly", not "predominately". For varied expression, consider synonyms such as "primarily", "largely", or "chiefly".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mainly

Focuses on the primary aspect but might not emphasize the degree of prevalence as strongly as "predominantly".

primarily

Highlights the fundamental or initial aspect more than the overall prevalence.

mostly

Indicates a high proportion but can sometimes imply a lack of precision compared to "predominantly".

largely

Suggests a substantial portion, similar to "predominantly", but can occasionally be used for physical dimensions.

chiefly

Emphasizes the leading or principal aspect, sometimes implying a hierarchical importance.

principally

Similar to "primarily", stressing the core or essential element.

preponderantly

Indicates a significant weight or influence, close to "predominantly" in formal contexts.

above all

Highlights the most important aspect, rather than simply the most frequent one.

for the most part

Implies some exceptions, which "predominantly" doesn't always emphasize.

on the whole

Indicates a general state, with the exception of some specific cases

FAQs

How can I use "predominantly" in a sentence?

Use "predominantly" to describe the main or most common characteristic of something. For example, "The workforce is "predominantly male"" or "The cuisine is "predominantly vegetarian"".

What are some synonyms for "predominantly"?

Alternatives to "predominantly" include "mainly", "primarily", "mostly", and "largely". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "predominately" instead of "predominantly"?

No, "predominately" is a misspelling of "predominantly". The correct spelling is "p-r-e-d-o-m-i-n-a-n-t-l-y".

What's the difference between "predominantly" and "primarily"?

"Predominantly" indicates what is most common or prevalent, while "primarily" emphasizes the fundamental or initial aspect. "The research was "predominantly" funded by private donors" means most of the funding came from them. "The research was "primarily" focused on cancer research" means that its main focus was the cancer research.