this is principally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is principally" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is mainly or primarily the case, often followed by an explanation or elaboration. Example: "This is principally a matter of public interest, as it affects the community at large."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

This is principally because of proxy responses.

The Guardian

(This is principally aimed at enterprises and education, but is the best-selling model).

The Guardian - Tech

This is principally because this was a purely lay graveyard with no clerics present.

The Guardian

This is principally about England and how the English deal with change.

The Guardian

This is principally the cause of almost every global problem we face.

The Guardian

This is principally around the parameters included, for which sensitivity analysis is carried out.

The Guardian

"We believe this is principally over," Mr. Fink said in the conference call.

The New York Times

This is principally because it applies to the entirety of the targeted flights, including the portion outside EU airspace.

The Economist

On the lower slopes this is principally deciduous woodland, but conifers grow at elevations as high as 6,600 feet (2,000 metres).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Although the average number of formal disputes per year has fallen since 2001, this is principally because rich countries spend less time fighting each other.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This was principally because, in the meantime, Arsenal exploded: Robert Pirès settled, Freddie Ljungberg and Dennis Bergkamp bonded, and Thierry Henry thierryhenried.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this is principally" to introduce the main reason or cause, followed by a clear explanation or elaboration to ensure the reader understands the connection.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "this is principally" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "mainly because" or "mostly due to" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is principally" functions as a causal connector, linking a statement to its primary reason or cause. It introduces an explanation by indicating the main factor contributing to a particular situation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

27%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is principally" serves as a formal causal connector, primarily used in scientific, news, and business contexts to introduce the main reason or cause behind a statement. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage, and it can be effectively replaced with alternatives like "this is mainly" or "this is primarily" depending on the desired level of formality. When using the phrase, ensure that the explanation following it is clear and well-supported to effectively convey the intended rationale.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is mainly

Replaces "principally" with "mainly", suggesting the primary but not necessarily exclusive reason.

this is primarily

Substitutes "principally" with "primarily", emphasizing the most important reason or factor.

this is chiefly

Uses "chiefly" instead of "principally", implying the main or foremost reason.

this is largely due to

Replaces the entire phrase with a more direct causal statement using "largely due to".

this is mostly because

Emphasizes the causal relationship with "mostly because", indicating the predominant cause.

the main reason is

Simplifies the phrasing to "the main reason is", focusing on the key cause.

the primary cause is

Highlights the fundamental cause with "the primary cause is".

it's mainly attributed to

Shifts the focus to attribution with "it's mainly attributed to", indicating the primary factor responsible.

it's primarily a result of

Highlights the outcome with "it's primarily a result of", showing the main consequence.

that's essentially because

Uses "essentially" to convey the fundamental reason.

FAQs

How can I use "this is principally" in a sentence?

Use "this is principally" to introduce the primary reason or cause for a situation. For example, "The decline in sales is principally due to increased competition."

What are some alternatives to "this is principally"?

You can use alternatives like "this is mainly", "this is primarily", or "this is chiefly" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "this is principally" or "this is mainly"?

"This is principally" is more formal and emphasizes the most important reason, while "this is mainly" suggests the primary but not necessarily exclusive reason. Choose based on the context and desired tone.

What's the difference between "this is principally due to" and "this is a result of"?

"This is principally due to" emphasizes the cause, while "this is a result of" highlights the consequence. They can often be used interchangeably, but the focus shifts depending on the phrasing.