principally because of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "principally because of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are trying to explain why something happened or is the case. For example, "The job was completed on time, principally because of the hard work of the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is principally because of proxy responses.

The Guardian

"It's principally because of the economic situation," he said.

The New York Times

Principally because of Murdoch's actions in China, Ottaway has campaigned against Murdoch's ownership.

The New Yorker

The rise was principally because of favorable foreign currency exchange rates.

The New York Times

Western diplomats believe he was ousted principally because of unauthorised efforts to set up peace talks.

The Guardian

International earnings rose strongly, principally because of non-operating gains in currency translation in Argentina.

The New York Times

Processing techniques in a manufacturing plant are different principally because of the volume of material involved.

Ceramic Technology and Processing A Practical Working Guide

Miniaturizing DEAs is challenging principally because of the need for μm-scale compliant electrodes.

Procedia Engineering

Often they find it the greatest, principally because of its stellar assortment of international leading dancers.

The New York Times - Arts

"Principally because of her green eyes she seems to have a ready-to-pounce, feline quality.

The New York Times - Sports

Exports continued to increase, principally because of the higher price for soy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "principally because of" to clearly indicate the main reason for a situation, avoiding ambiguity by placing it near the effect or outcome you are explaining.

Common error

Avoid constructing sentences where the subject is acted upon, which can obscure the cause-and-effect relationship. Instead of saying "The project was delayed, principally because of funding issues", opt for "The project was delayed principally because funding issues arose"

Linguistic Context

The phrase "principally because of" functions as an adverbial connector, linking a cause or reason to its effect. It specifies that the stated reason is the primary or most important one. Ludwig examples show this clearly in a variety of contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

21%

Encyclopedias

9%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "principally because of" serves as a robust and reliable connector, signaling the primary cause behind an event or situation. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted in English writing. Its prevalence in news, scientific literature, and encyclopedias underscores its suitability for formal and neutral contexts. While alternatives like "mainly due to" exist, "principally because of" distinctly emphasizes the paramount importance of the stated reason. Remember to use it actively to present direct causal relationships, ensuring clarity and impact in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mainly due to

Focuses on the main reason, similar to the query but with a slightly different structure.

primarily as a result of

Highlights the outcome or consequence of the cause, adding a subtle emphasis on the effect.

largely on account of

More formal, emphasizing the importance of the reason.

chiefly attributed to

Suggests that the reason is the most significant factor and highlights an attribution.

mostly owing to

Similar in meaning, but slightly less formal than "largely on account of".

predominantly influenced by

Highlights the influence of the reason, rather than a direct cause.

fundamentally because

Emphasizes the basic or essential nature of the cause.

in essence because

Similar to fundamentally because but focuses on a summary.

at its root due to

Indicates the underlying or original cause of a situation.

as a main consequence of

Highlights the consequential aspect, framing the reason as a direct result.

FAQs

How can I use "principally because of" in a sentence?

Use "principally because of" to introduce the primary reason for a particular outcome or situation. For instance, "The company's growth stalled, principally because of increased competition".

What phrases are similar to "principally because of"?

Alternatives include "mainly due to", "primarily as a result of", or "largely on account of". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is there a difference between "principally because of" and "mainly because of"?

While both phrases indicate a primary cause, "principally because of" suggests that the stated reason is the most important among several possible factors, while "mainly because of" simply points to the major reason without necessarily excluding other significant factors.

When is it appropriate to use "principally because of" in writing?

Use "principally because of" in formal writing when you want to emphasize that a specific reason is the most significant factor contributing to a particular outcome. It's suitable for academic papers, reports, and professional communications where clarity and precision are important.