What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
principally
Example
I am principally concerned with the safety of my family. [principally: adverb]
Example
The book is principally about the history of the city. [principally: adverb]
mainly
Example
I mainly eat vegetables for my health. [mainly: adverb]
Example
The company's profits mainly come from their online sales. [mainly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Mainly is more commonly used than principally in everyday language. Mainly is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while principally is less common and typically used in more formal or academic settings.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between principally and mainly?
Principally is more formal than mainly and is typically used in more serious or weighty contexts. Mainly is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
