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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
principally needed
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "principally needed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is primarily or mainly required for a specific purpose or situation. Example: "The resources are principally needed for the development of the new project."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
1 human-written examples
Responses to biotic stresses and also relatively early responses (generally up to 12 hours) to several abiotic stresses, such as UV-B, stimulate the expression of most of the HCGs of the AAA network, while stimulation of only different combinations of the catabolic genes of the different amino acids of this network is principally needed during the late response to various abiotic stresses.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
Banks, too, are a roadblock to growth and principally need to wean themselves off the property drug.
News & Media
"The 'head of rugby performance' role principally needs to be the glue that joins our professional and semi-professional game together," WRU chief executive Martyn Phillips said.
News & Media
Bill Frist, a physician and former Senate Republican majority leader from Tennessee, responded with what has become the conservative line: that "we do have the best health care" and what Americans principally need is "insurance reform" rather than improved health care practices.
News & Media
Principally she needs to have a radio transmitter fitted inside her horn, so her movements can be tracked.
News & Media
Every community will have a different answer, but principally they need to increase opportunities for active travel, encourage active movement in buildings such as schools and offices, and improve quality and consistency of routes for residents.
News & Media
For example, he travelled the 25 mile to Bury (Bury St Edmunds) fair to obtain rice, sugar, etc., the 16 mile to Barnwell for wheels, axles, etc. for carts, then the 51 mile to St Botolph's (Boston) for wine, the 14 mile to Reche (Reach) for steel and iron and the 78 mile to London, principally for things needed in the vestry for the service of the Church, but also to pay taxes.
Wiki
There are, of course, downsides for the teachers, principally the massive effort needed behind the scenes to collect the data that enables the tutor to talk about each student in such an informed way.
News & Media
The agency is assessing their emergency needs, principally clothing and food, said Robert Reggio, the Red Cross coordinator of disaster services in Westchester County.
News & Media
It's not just that he doesn't have the mindset to drive forward the reforms the EU needs – principally to make it more competitive and to stop it meddling in matters best left to national governments.
News & Media
Rightly or wrongly, it seems inevitable that technology will be called upon to arbitrate over controversial calls in the near future, although the current system remains imperfect, principally because more cameras are needed to track the flight of the ball, and that is costly.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "principally needed" when you want to emphasize that something is the main or primary requirement, differentiating it from secondary needs. For example: "The funds are "principally needed" for infrastructure improvements, not administrative costs."
Common error
Avoid using "principally needed" in casual conversation or informal writing. Alternatives like "mainly required" or "mostly needed" are often more appropriate and sound less stilted.
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "principally needed" functions as an adverb-adjective construction. The adverb "principally" modifies the adjective "needed", emphasizing the primary importance or necessity of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct in written English.
Frequent in
Science
33%
News & Media
33%
Formal & Business
33%
Less common in
Academia
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "principally needed" is used to emphasize the primary requirement in a given context. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be effectively used in formal writing or professional communications. While less common in informal settings, it serves to focus attention on the most important element among other possible needs. To ensure your message is well received across audiences, be mindful of the formality and context when choosing to use this expression, perhaps considering alternatives such as "primarily required" or "mainly necessary" in less formal situations.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
primarily required
Replaces "principally" with "primarily", offering a direct synonym with a slightly different emphasis.
chiefly required
Uses "chiefly" in place of "principally", maintaining a formal tone and similar meaning.
essentially required
Replaces "principally" with "essentially", emphasizing the fundamental nature of the need.
mainly necessary
Substitutes both "principally" and "needed" with synonyms, creating a more casual tone.
primarily essential
Combines "primarily" and "essential" to reinforce the indispensable nature of the requirement.
fundamentally necessary
Emphasizes that the need is basic and foundational.
largely necessary
Indicates that the need is substantial or significant.
most importantly needed
Adds emphasis to the importance of the need, making it a strong statement.
critically important
Highlights the crucial or decisive nature of the need.
vitally important
Replaces the entire phrase with a more concise and direct expression of importance.
FAQs
How can I use "principally needed" in a sentence?
The phrase "principally needed" is used to emphasize that something is the main or primary requirement. For instance: "The resources are principally needed for the development of the new project."
What are some alternatives to "principally needed"?
You can use alternatives like "primarily required", "mainly necessary", or "chiefly required" depending on the specific context.
Is "principally needed" formal or informal?
"Principally needed" leans towards the formal side. For more informal contexts, consider using alternatives like "mostly needed" or "mainly needed".
In what contexts is "principally needed" most appropriate?
The phrase "principally needed" is best suited for formal writing, academic papers, or business reports where precision and emphasis are desired. It highlights that a specific element is the primary requirement.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested