primarily that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "primarily that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the main focus or reason for something, often in a context where further explanation follows. Example: "The issue is primarily that we need more resources to complete the project on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Primarily, that means some help competing with rivals not burdened with such an onerous service.

Independent

It was that evidence, primarily, that led the Appellate Division of the State Supreme Court to order a new trial for Mr. Tankleff last month.

The New York Times

Well, their defending was shocking and it is primarily that reason why they have lost two opening group games for the first time in their World Cup history.

Independent

Primarily that's because the most striking features of modern Islam are its amazing heterogeneity and geographical dispersion.

The New York Times - Magazine

Primarily, that's the attitude of Olivia Benson, who has gone from token "good cop" to a bona fide series anchor (and commanding officer of the unit).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Primarily that means focusing mainly on enterprise software businesses," Montgomery said.

TechCrunch

Now, primarily, that was harnessed in the form of fund raising.

TechCrunch

Primarily that is to make Windows Live Photos a more competitive photo sharing service.

TechCrunch

Primarily that is because Messenger and other rival apps don't provide features or a use case that consumers are immediately compelled by.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

They do this primarily because that is a way that can prolong their export-led growth".

Huffington Post

Furthermore, the thyroid autoantibodies might actually indicate that the autoimmune problem is primarily in that gland.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "primarily that" to introduce the core reason or explanation, followed by specific details that elaborate on the initial point.

Common error

Avoid using "primarily that" repeatedly in a short piece of writing. Vary your language with synonyms like "mainly because" or "chiefly due to" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primarily that" functions as an adverbial phrase, introducing a clause that provides the main reason or explanation for a preceding statement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "primarily that" serves as a connector to introduce the main reason or explanation for something. It is considered grammatically correct and frequently used in news and media, as supported by Ludwig's analysis. While versatile, writers should be mindful of overuse and consider synonyms like "mainly because" to add variety. Understanding its function and context ensures effective and clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mainly because

Emphasizes the cause or reason more directly.

largely due to

Highlights the significant influence of a particular factor.

chiefly because of

Indicates the most important reason among others.

mostly as a result of

Focuses on the outcome or consequence of something.

primarily due to the fact that

A more formal and explicit way of stating the main reason.

principally for the reason that

Stresses the fundamental basis for something.

in the main

Suggests a general overview or the most important aspect.

for the most part

Implies that something is true in most cases, but not all.

above all

Highlights the most important consideration.

fundamentally

Addresses the essential or foundational aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "primarily that" in a sentence?

Use "primarily that" to introduce the main reason or explanation for a situation. For example, "The company's success is primarily that it adapted quickly to market changes."

What are some alternatives to "primarily that"?

You can use alternatives like "mainly because", "chiefly because of", or "largely due to" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "primarily that"?

While it's more common to find "primarily that" in the middle of a sentence connecting two clauses, starting a sentence with it is grammatically acceptable, although it might sound less formal. A more formal approach would be to use "The primary reason is that..."

What's the difference between "primarily that" and "mainly that"?

The phrases "primarily that" and "mainly that" are very similar. "Primarily" suggests the most important factor, while "mainly" suggests the largest part. The choice often depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.