primarily concerned with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "primarily concerned with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is the main focus of a particular activity or undertaking. For example, "The paper was primarily concerned with examining the effects of new economic policies."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We are primarily concerned with minimizing disturbances outside nightlife establishments.

The New York Times

Like most artists, Mehretu is primarily concerned with her work.

The New Yorker

His research is primarily concerned with media coverage of development and the global south.

The Guardian

In fact, they are primarily concerned with finding new markets for their music.

The New York Times - Arts

Mallinder, however, is primarily concerned with ensuring his players turn up in the right mood.

The Guardian - Sport

Existentialism is primarily concerned with transcending the futility of life through honesty and bravery.

The Guardian - Film

His sentences deliver news, but they are primarily concerned with how human beings live their lives.

The New Yorker

Senior US government sources are not primarily concerned with WikiLeaks' role in the affair.

The Guardian - Tech

He said Ukraine's oligarchs were primarily concerned with hanging on to their assets in uncertain times.

The Guardian

I am primarily concerned with being a medium for composers' thoughts".

The New York Times - Arts

As the title suggests, The Dangerous Book Four Boys is primarily concerned with boys' stuff.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Make sure that the tone of the sentence is aligned with the intended audience, because "primarily concerned with" can be used in different settings.

Common error

Avoid using "primarily concerned with" when a simpler, more direct phrase like "about" or "focused on" would suffice. Overusing the phrase in simple sentences can make your writing sound unnecessarily verbose or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primarily concerned with" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating the main focus, interest, or subject matter. Ludwig AI confirms the correct and usable nature of this phrase. For example, "The study is primarily concerned with..."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

24%

Encyclopedias

23%

Science

42%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "primarily concerned with" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the main focus or interest of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, ranging from news and media to encyclopedic and scientific writing. While it is generally neutral to formal, it's important to avoid overusing it in overly simple contexts. Mastering its usage can enhance clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mainly focused on

This alternative uses "focused on" instead of "concerned with", emphasizing concentration on a specific subject or goal.

chiefly interested in

"Chiefly interested in" replaces "primarily concerned with" with a focus on interest, indicating a strong inclination or curiosity.

largely preoccupied with

"Largely preoccupied with" suggests a dominant absorption or engagement with a subject, adding a sense of attentiveness.

principally involved in

This phrase indicates a primary participation or engagement in something, highlighting the active role.

fundamentally about

"Fundamentally about" emphasizes that something is at its core or essence, changing the verb.

at the forefront of

This alternative implies something is leading or most important, typically in terms of attention or effort.

in the driver's seat of

This is an idiom that relates "being primarily concerned with" by adding the sense of control or direction.

mostly dedicated to

"Mostly dedicated to" suggest a deep commitment and allocation of resources or effort towards a specific purpose.

especially anxious about

This version indicates a heightened state of worry or concern, shifting the focus from general concern to anxiety.

critically related to

This phrase implies something is vital or essential, highlighting the importance of the connection or relationship.

FAQs

How can I use "primarily concerned with" in a sentence?

You can use "primarily concerned with" to indicate the main focus or interest of someone or something. For example, "The research is primarily concerned with the impact of climate change".

What are some alternatives to "primarily concerned with"?

Some alternatives include "mainly focused on", "chiefly interested in", or "largely preoccupied with" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "primarily concerned by" instead of "primarily concerned with"?

While "concerned by" can be used to express worry or unease, "primarily concerned with" is generally preferred when indicating the main focus or subject of interest. "Concerned by" often implies a negative impact or cause for worry.

What's the difference between "primarily concerned with" and "secondarily concerned with"?

"Primarily concerned with" indicates the main or most important focus, while "secondarily concerned with" indicates a less important or subordinate focus. The two phrases can be used together to distinguish between different levels of importance or relevance.