primarily a function of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "primarily a function of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is mainly determined or influenced by a specific factor or set of factors. Example: "The success of the project is primarily a function of effective communication among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

One explanation for these observations could be that lymphoproliferation is primarily a function of T CD4+ cells, the numbers and functional capabilities of which were comparably depressed in both group of patients.

Plosone

At home, attendance is primarily a function of games won.

The New Yorker

Like fashion, permissiveness is primarily a function of affluence, and the work schedule required to maintain it.

The New York Times - Health

That's primarily a function of Coughlin's sticking to his core values without chaining himself to them.

The New York Times

The rate of calving, they report in Science, is primarily a function of the rate at which an ice shelf spreads.

The New York Times - Science

But, in a country whose enduring cultural myths include Horatio Alger and the Welfare Queen, the idea that material success is a high aim and primarily a function of hard work is also deeply entrenched and, importantly, politically powerful.

The New Yorker

"And that is primarily a function of the fact that Democrats are so angry with the direction under Bush that above all else, they want to find a candidate who can beat Bush".

The New York Times

Visibility increased by as much as 20 miles, the researchers said, as the concentration of light-scattering particles, primarily a function of sulfur dioxide emissions, was reduced by 70percentt.

The New York Times - Science

The good news: the length of the period after the release of a software product (or version) and before the discovery of the first vulnerability is primarily a function of familiarity with the system.

The Guardian - Opinion

Vertical clinging and leaping, for instance, is primarily a function of the hind limbs, as is bipedalism, whereas brachiation is performed exclusively with the forelimbs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

However... Ian Gordon, city analyst at Investec, continues to recommend investors sell their shares: Given weak (or negative) loan growth in many of its "core" businesses – primarily a function of the weak macro backdrop – we continue to see a very slow pace of recovery.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "primarily a function of", ensure that the factor you're attributing the function to is clearly defined and relevant to the context. Providing supporting evidence or examples can strengthen your statement.

Common error

Avoid implying that a factor is solely responsible when it's "primarily a function of". Acknowledge that other influences may exist, even if they are less significant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primarily a function of" acts as a linking phrase, establishing a causal relationship or dependence between two elements. It highlights that one element is significantly influenced or determined by the other, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "primarily a function of" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something is mainly determined or influenced by a specific factor. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in science and news media. While alternatives like "mainly dependent on" or "largely determined by" exist, understanding the nuance of "primarily a function of" allows for precise communication. Be sure to avoid overstating the influence of the primary factor and acknowledge the potential role of other factors in the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mainly dependent on

Focuses on the reliance of one thing on another, highlighting dependence.

largely determined by

Emphasizes the significant influence in deciding the outcome.

chiefly governed by

Indicates that something is mostly controlled or ruled by a certain factor.

principally based on

Highlights the foundation or grounds upon which something is established.

primarily reliant on

Stresses the dependence or need for a specific element.

mostly contingent upon

Emphasizes that the outcome is conditional and heavily reliant on a specific event or situation.

essentially a result of

Indicates that something is fundamentally caused by a particular factor.

predominantly influenced by

Highlights the major impact or sway exerted by a specific element.

fundamentally a consequence of

Stresses the basic or essential outcome resulting from a particular cause.

substantially shaped by

Indicates that something is significantly molded or formed by a particular influence.

FAQs

How can I use "primarily a function of" in a sentence?

You can use "primarily a function of" to indicate that something is mainly determined or influenced by a specific factor. For instance, "The success of the project is "primarily a function of" effective communication among team members".

What are some alternatives to saying "primarily a function of"?

Alternatives include "mainly dependent on", "largely determined by", or "chiefly governed by". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something is "primarily a function of" multiple factors?

Yes, it is acceptable to say that something is "primarily a function of" multiple factors. This suggests that these factors collectively have the most significant influence, although other influences may still be present.

What's the difference between "primarily a function of" and "solely a function of"?

"Primarily a function of" indicates a main influence, whereas "solely a function of" suggests the only influence. Using "primarily" acknowledges other factors may contribute, while "solely" excludes them. For example, one can replace the sentence with something like "mainly dependent on".