primarily used

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "primarily used" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to emphasize that something is mainly used for a specific purpose. For example: "The substance is primarily used as a fuel for rocket engines."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The marshlands are primarily used for pasture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nets are primarily used for fishing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

During normal driving, the front engine is primarily used.

The New York Times

Confidentiality agreements were once primarily used to protect commercial secrets.

The New York Times

Process-printing methods are primarily used for commercial reproduction.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is primarily used as a meeting and lobbying organisation.

The Economist

The patients primarily used treadmills and stationary bikes.

The New York Times

A: QR codes are primarily used on mobile smartphones.

The New York Times

"Botnets were once primarily used to perpetrate spam," said Tom Cuthbert, the president of Click Forensics.

The New York Times

Injected in very small doses, it is primarily used on frown lines and crow's feet.

The New York Times - Health

"I primarily used the computing sites around campus to do my work," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "primarily used", ensure that the context clearly indicates what the subject is being used for and avoid ambiguity by specifying the intended application.

Common error

Avoid using "primarily used" when the subject has multiple significant applications. Instead, specify all major uses or opt for a more general description to accurately represent the subject's versatility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primarily used" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun by specifying its main purpose or function. It indicates the principal way in which something is employed, as supported by Ludwig and its analysis of numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "primarily used" is a grammatically sound and very common expression used to specify the main application or purpose of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to inform about the principal use, appearing across various registers, from scientific to news media. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure its appropriateness by verifying that the described use is genuinely the main one. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and encyclopedias underscores its reliability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mainly employed

Focuses on the act of putting something to work, similar to using it, with a slight emphasis on the active process.

largely utilized

Highlights the extent of use, implying a significant portion of applications are for a specific purpose.

chiefly applied

Emphasizes the principal purpose for which something is directed or put into service.

principally adopted

Focuses on the selection and implementation of something for a primary purpose.

predominantly implemented

Stresses the dominant manner in which something is put into effect or action.

generally leveraged

Highlights the way something is exploited or used to its best advantage, typically for a specific outcome.

commonly administered

Relates to the act of giving or applying something, often in a controlled or managed way.

typically operated

Describes how something is normally or usually managed and controlled.

specifically designated

Emphasizes that something is officially assigned or intended for a particular purpose.

especially adapted

Focuses on the process of modifying or designing something for a particular use or situation.

FAQs

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

Use "primarily used" to indicate the main purpose of something. For example, "This tool is primarily used for cutting wood" indicates that cutting wood is its main function.

What are some alternatives to saying "primarily used"?

You can use alternatives like "mainly employed", "largely utilized", or "chiefly applied" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "primarily use" instead of "primarily used"?

The correct phrase is "primarily used" when describing the main function of something in the past participle form. "Primarily use" would be grammatically incorrect in this context.

What's the difference between "primarily used" and "frequently used"?

"Primarily used" refers to the main purpose or application, while "frequently used" indicates how often something is used, regardless of its primary purpose. The two terms describe different aspects of usage.