What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
primary
Example
Education is the primary focus of this school. [primary: adjective]
Example
The primary colors are red, blue, and yellow. [primary: noun]
Example
The primary reason for his success is his hard work. [primary: adjective]
chief
Example
The chief concern of the company is customer satisfaction. [chief: adjective]
Example
The chief of police held a press conference to address the recent crime wave. [chief: noun]
Example
The chief executive officer is responsible for making major decisions for the company. [chief: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Chief is more commonly used than primary in everyday language, especially in business or organizational contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between primary and chief?
Both primary and chief can be used in formal or informal contexts, but primary may be perceived as more formal due to its association with academic or technical language.
