principally used

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "principally used" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is mainly used for a particular purpose. For example, "Vinegar is principally used in cooking, but it can also be used as a cleaning agent."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Maine Transpass is principally used by commuters.

The New York Times - Travel

The one area thus far where PTAB use was confirmed is principally used for grazing.

The New York Times

Ultraviolet-visible absorptiometry is principally used for quantitative analysis of atoms or molecules.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is classified as a two-bedroom property although the second bedroom is principally used to store mobility aids.

The Guardian - Opinion

Today, offshore trusts are principally used by the global rich who are resident in the UK but not "domiciled" here.

The Guardian - Business

This type of metalware, admired for its soft, glowing, gray lustre, was principally used in making utensils and vessels for the preparation, serving, and eating of food.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"They are principally used by the department for the compilation, validation, and collation of statistics and to provide accessible information to citizens in support of, for example, the transparency agenda".

The Guardian

"My recollection is that the police were principally used to protect miners who wanted to go to work but who were being prevented from doing so by Arthur Scargill's hate mob.

The Guardian

Australia, Britain, Canada and a number of European countries have sex-offender registries, but they are principally used by law enforcement officials and are not accessible by the public.

The New York Times

In the 20th century, chalk was principally used by artists adhering to traditional art styles but also by such avant-garde painters as Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, and Willem de Kooning.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Examples of these drugs are probenecid, introduced as an agent for intensifying the action of penicillin but now principally used in treating gout; acetazolamide and furosemide, which are diuretics; and tolbutamide, a hypoglycemic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the main function of a tool or technology, use "principally used" to clearly convey its primary application.

Common error

While "principally used" is grammatically correct, avoid using it excessively in informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "mostly used" or "mainly used" may be more appropriate for a casual tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "principally used" functions as an adverbial modifier indicating the primary or main purpose for which something is employed. Ludwig examples showcase its use across various domains to specify the principal application of a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

22%

Encyclopedias

13%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "principally used" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to denote the main or primary purpose of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for describing the chief application across various contexts. Analysis of Ludwig's examples reveals that "principally used" is commonly found in scientific literature, news articles, and encyclopedic entries. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and opt for simpler alternatives like "mainly used" in more informal settings. The phrase effectively clarifies the primary function, enhancing clarity in formal and technical writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primarily utilized

Changes "used" to "utilized", adding a slightly more formal tone while maintaining the core meaning.

mainly employed

Replaces "used" with "employed", suggesting active application for a specific purpose.

chiefly applied

Substitutes "principally" with "chiefly" and "used" with "applied", emphasizing the main area of application.

largely dedicated

Focuses on the significant portion or extent to which something is used for a specific purpose.

predominantly leveraged

Indicates that something is used to gain an advantage or achieve a specific outcome, adding a strategic dimension.

generally intended

Highlights the intended use or purpose of something, indicating a designed function.

commonly adopted

Suggests that the use is widespread and accepted as a standard practice.

typically exercised

Implies that the use is a regular or expected practice in certain situations.

essentially reserved

Conveys that something is kept or used solely for a particular purpose.

specifically designed

Emphasizes the deliberate design for a particular use, highlighting the intentionality behind it.

FAQs

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

You can use "principally used" to indicate the main or primary purpose of something. For example, "This room is "principally used" for storage."

What are some alternatives to "principally used"?

Some alternatives include "mainly used", "primarily used", or "chiefly used". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "principally used" and "primarily used"?

While both phrases are similar, "principally used" emphasizes the main or most important use, while "primarily used" can sometimes imply the earliest or first use. However, in many contexts, they are interchangeable.

When is it appropriate to use "principally used" in writing?

"Principally used" is suitable for formal and technical writing where precision is important. In more casual contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "mostly used" or "largely used".