primarily useful for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "primarily useful for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the main purpose or function of something in a specific context. Example: "This tool is primarily useful for enhancing productivity in remote work environments."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

If a technology, however, is "primarily useful" for illicit purposes – as indicated in 18 US Code § 2512 – and lacks these "substantial noninfringing uses" it may be regulated under law.

University of California, Berkeley

The proposed method is primarily useful for structures with a large number of self-similar scales for which using the usual finite element method would be too expensive.

International Journal of Solids and Structures

This is primarily useful for data entry.

Nature

Large discovery science analyses such as those reported here are primarily useful for the generation of new hypotheses.

Nature

These instruments employ mechanical linkages and so are primarily useful for measuring static pressures or pressures that change slowly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is primarily useful for a one-time cash infusion, according to Dan O'Brien, a senior analyst at Forrester Research in Cambridge, Mass.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

The geographical information available to health plan is primarily useful, of course, for conditions whose source is near individuals' homes.

BMC Public Health

It is rather beautiful, in its ugliness, but it is primarily useful today for the existence of 1961-era microphones and cameras, an auditorium wholly available for conversion to a courtroom, several severely talented Vilnius craftsmen and a handful of local mensches doubling as Israeli guards and possibly wishing it was actually 1961 and, maybe, Jerusalem and actually warm.

The Guardian

Viral vectors also harness natural mechanisms of intracellular delivery, but are primarily useful only for DNA delivery and suffer from risks of virus-induced toxicity.

ACS Nano

Fifth, recent reports have described particular methylation patterns related to infectious agents such as EBV or human papilloma virus (HPV), which can initiate carcinogenesis [ 30, 59]; whether these methylation alterations are primarily useful biomarkers for patient stratification or whether there is a causal relationship to carcinogenesis has yet to be demonstrated.

Genome Medicine

Since becoming secretary of state, Clinton has told a number of allies in Europe and the Persian Gulf that she is skeptical that diplomacy with Iran will prove fruitful and testified to Congress that negotiations are primarily useful to garner support for "crippling" multilateral sanctions against Iran.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the function of a tool or method, use "primarily useful for" to clearly state its main application. This helps avoid ambiguity and focuses the reader on the key benefit.

Common error

Avoid using "primarily useful for" when the application is just one of many, or when its usefulness is marginal. Instead, use weaker qualifiers like "also useful" or "can be used" if the primary function lies elsewhere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primarily useful for" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun. It indicates the main or most important purpose or benefit of the noun it modifies. This is supported by Ludwig, which identifies it as a valid and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "primarily useful for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to highlight the principal application or advantage of something. Ludwig confirms its validity and usability in written English. It finds its place in a number of contexts, ranging from scientific research and news reporting to academic studies. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure the stated use is indeed the primary one to maintain clarity and accuracy. By avoiding overstatements and utilizing the phrase judiciously, you can enhance the precision and effectiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mainly beneficial for

Focuses on the positive aspects and advantages.

chiefly advantageous for

Highlights the principal benefits or gains.

largely applicable to

Emphasizes the extent to which something is relevant or suitable.

mostly appropriate for

Indicates suitability and relevance in specific situations.

particularly suited to

Suggests a special fitness or adaptation for a given purpose.

especially helpful for

Highlights the assistance or support provided in a specific context.

primarily intended for

Focuses on the designed or planned use of something.

principally designed for

Highlights the main intention behind the design of something.

predominantly effective for

Indicates that something is mostly successful or efficient in achieving a particular outcome.

mainly geared towards

Emphasizes the target or orientation of something.

FAQs

How can I use "primarily useful for" in a sentence?

You can use "primarily useful for" to specify the main application or benefit of something. For example, "This software is primarily useful for data analysis".

What are some alternatives to "primarily useful for"?

Alternatives include "mainly beneficial for", "chiefly advantageous for", or "largely applicable to", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to use "primarily useful for" in formal writing?

Yes, "primarily useful for" is appropriate for formal writing, as it is grammatically correct and clearly communicates the main purpose or function. It's widely employed across various academic and professional contexts.

What's the difference between "primarily useful for" and "useful primarily for"?

While both are grammatically correct, "primarily useful for" emphasizes the main use, whereas "useful primarily for" can sometimes be interpreted as one of several primary uses. The former is generally clearer.