were mainly

USAGE SUMMARY

"were mainly" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a group of things belong primarily or mainly to one thing or another. For example, "The people in the room were mainly dressed in black."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Appetizers were mainly winners.

The New York Times

"They were mainly British then.

The Economist

They were mainly nomadic cattle breeders.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The others were mainly arms and legs.

Independent

Both cases were mainly concerned with sabotage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The rioters were mainly Pakistani youths.

The Economist

The students were mainly women, too.

The New York Times

The dead were mainly women and children.

The New York Times

The artists, though, were mainly not gay.

The Guardian - Music

"In fact, there were mainly sailboats here.

The New York Times

They were mainly Eritreans and Ethiopians.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the composition of a group or entity, use "were mainly" to indicate the most significant component without excluding the presence of other elements. For instance, "The attendees were mainly students, but some faculty members were also present."

Common error

Avoid using "were mainly" repetitively in your writing; vary your language by using synonyms like "were primarily", "were mostly", or "were chiefly" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were mainly" functions as a descriptive modifier, specifying the primary characteristic or composition of a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and suitable for general use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

18%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were mainly" is a grammatically correct and frequently used construction that serves to describe the primary composition or attribute of a subject. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It is most frequently found in news and media, science, and encyclopedia contexts. When using "were mainly", consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and explore alternative phrases to avoid repetition. Be mindful of the context, and your audience will understand exactly the composition of a person, object, or concept.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were primarily

Emphasizes the element of being first in order of importance, differing by stressing a hierarchical arrangement.

were mostly

Suggests the largest proportion, varying in its direct focus on quantity.

were largely

Similar to "were mainly" but can imply a greater proportion or scale.

were chiefly

Indicates the most important or common element, offering a formal tone.

were predominantly

Highlights the aspect of having superior influence or strength, which differs by stressing dominance.

consisted mainly of

Explicitly states the composition, moving from a descriptive to a compositional focus.

were essentially

Highlights the basic or fundamental nature, shifting the emphasis to core characteristics.

were generally

Implies commonality or typicality, subtly shifting from main composition to common occurrence.

were substantially

Suggests a considerable amount or degree, moving focus from composition to quantity or extent.

were by and large

Implies a general overview with minor exceptions, thus providing a broader perspective.

FAQs

How can I use "were mainly" in a sentence?

Use "were mainly" to indicate that the majority of something belongs to a specific group or category. For example, "The participants in the study "were mostly" women".

What's the difference between "were mainly" and "were primarily"?

"Were mainly" indicates the largest portion or number, while "were primarily" suggests the element or group is of the highest importance or priority.

Can I use "were mainly" in formal writing?

Yes, "were mainly" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, consider using more precise language depending on the context to enhance clarity.

What are some alternatives to "were mainly"?

Alternatives include "were mostly", "were chiefly", "were largely", or "consisted mainly of" depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.