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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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primarily secondarily

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'primarily secondarily' is not correct and should not be used in written English.
Instead, you could use "first and second," "primarily and secondarily," or some other combination of words to express the same idea. For example, you could say: "I considered the pros and cons of the situation, primarily cost and secondarily convenience."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Various arcs of the zodiac, then, are either primarily or secondarily subject to each planet, whose strength and influence in a geniture (nativity) depend partially on its position relative to these arcs and to those of its friends and enemies.

All patients underwent operative treatment primarily and secondarily.

A multifarious paediatric neurological disorders may primarily or secondarily involve the brainstem.

To compare the clinical characteristics of primarily and secondarily infertile men with varicocele.

The kernel of James' solution, then, lies in the distinction between what terms signify primarily and secondarily.

Science

SEP

Technically, it is very difficult to confirm whether the tumor developed whether primarily or secondarily from another malignancy, if both tumors show the same pathological character.

CAD/CAM procedures are described both primarily and secondarily [1, 16] but primary reconstruction in time-critical cases is not done routinely [7, 16].

In 2012, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics, the major earthmoving equipment are reported to have accounted primarily or secondarily for nearly 10% of fatalities on construction sites.

Because of their anatomical and physiological differences, many health problems in pet rabbits and herbivorous rodent species are primarily or secondarily related to dental diseases, making this discipline even more important for this group of mammals.

Ockham's nominalism does not require the elimination of simple connotative concepts after all; its main relevant thesis, on the contrary, is that their use is ontologically harmless since they do not signify (either primarily or secondarily) anything but individual things, as their nominal definitions are supposed to make it clear.

Science

SEP

In the present study, we investigated whether the SP from these ejaculate portions (SP1 or SP2) was able to differently influence sperm viability and chromatin structure of the P1- or P2-contained spermatozoa from individual boars primarily or secondarily exposed (e.g., following cleansing and re-exposure) to pooled SP1 or SP2 from the same males during 60 min.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "primarily secondarily". Use correct conjunctions and adverbs to indicate sequence and importance, such as "primarily, and then secondarily" or "first and foremost".

Common error

Do not combine "primarily" and "secondarily" directly. This construction is grammatically incorrect and unclear. Always use a conjunction like "and" or an adverb to connect the ideas.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

60%

Authority and reliability

1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primarily secondarily" is an incorrect conjunction of adverbs. Ludwig AI confirms it should not be used in written English. Proper alternatives involve using conjunctions or adverbs to connect the ideas of primary and secondary importance.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "primarily secondarily" is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's better to use alternative constructions that correctly express the intended meaning of sequential importance. Phrases like "first and foremost", "primarily, and then secondarily", or "mainly and subsequently" offer clearer and grammatically sound alternatives. Because the phrase is incorrect, no authoritative sources support its use, and it lacks any significant usage patterns.

FAQs

How can I correctly express a sequence of importance in English?

Instead of using the incorrect phrase "primarily secondarily", use constructions like "first and foremost", "primarily, and then secondarily", or "mainly and subsequently".

What phrases can I use instead of the ungrammatical "primarily secondarily"?

Consider using alternatives such as "first and foremost", "mainly and subsequently", or "chiefly and then" to convey a sequence of importance.

Is "primarily secondarily" ever considered grammatically correct?

No, "primarily secondarily" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It is best to avoid this phrase in both formal and informal writing.

What is the best way to show two different levels of importance in a sentence?

Use coordinating conjunctions or adverbs to separate the ideas. For example, "The project focused "primarily on" cost reduction and "secondarily on" improving efficiency".

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