a main distraction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a main distraction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a significant source of distraction in various contexts, such as work, study, or personal life. Example: "The constant notifications from my phone became a main distraction while I was trying to focus on my project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Vodka became a main distraction.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

And partly it's because during Mr. Waterston's long, raspy rant in the second act, when he falsely thinks his daughter is a tramp, the main distraction is not that he's talking about his real-life daughter; it's that it looks as if he might explode or spontaneously combust at any moment in the summer heat (3:00).

The New York Times

Afterward, the winner, Victoria Azarenka, whose high-decibel grunts were not the main distraction for a change, said, "As a player, we would all like to have a bit of respect and quietness".

The New York Times - Sports

Growing up, West spent his days hunting and fishing, but his main distraction was shooting at a basketball hoop that a neighbor had nailed to his storage shed.

Wikipedia

The bread is now lacking in Spain, which puts the onus on the circus — in other words soccer — to provide the main distraction from the daily hardship of a recession.

The New York Times

While the Mets played their way to a series split in Cincinnati and back into a first-place tie in the National League East, the weekend's main distraction played out at Pedro Martínez's locker.

The New York Times - Sports

The main distraction to this fleshy family portrait is an ill-fitting rom-com subplot apparently intended to lighten things up a bit.

The New York Times

Fishing boats are the main distraction in these impossibly clear waters.

The Guardian - Travel

But the bed with the person in it was off-putting .- Wendy "The main distractioff-putting .-

The New York Times

The main distraction this year was the issue of drugs and the testimony by active or recently retired players that they, and many of their teammates, had been habitual users of cocaine.

The New Yorker

Life is one big roller coaster ride of personal choices from exhilarating joy to frightening turns and can ultimately be the main distraction for dealing with the Self.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a main distraction", ensure that it clearly identifies the most significant element diverting attention from the primary focus. For example, in a meeting, "the constant phone notifications were a main distraction".

Common error

Avoid using "a main distraction" for trivial interruptions. Reserve it for instances where the distraction genuinely impedes progress or focus on a significant task. For example, don't call a brief interruption by a coworker "a main distraction" if it didn't significantly disrupt your workflow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a main distraction" functions as a noun phrase, identifying the primary source diverting attention. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a main distraction" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that identifies the most significant source diverting attention. Ludwig confirms its validity and highlights its use across varied sources. While relatively rare, the phrase finds its primary contexts in news and media, as well as Wiki sources. To ensure effective communication, use this phrase to emphasize genuine impediments to progress, and be mindful of the context to maintain appropriate register and tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a major distraction

Replaces "main" with "major", offering a slightly stronger emphasis on the significance of the distraction.

a significant distraction

Emphasizes the importance of the distraction by using "significant" instead of "main".

the principal distraction

Uses "principal" instead of "main" to indicate the most important or prominent distraction.

the chief distraction

Utilizes "chief" to denote the primary or most important distraction.

the predominant distraction

Indicates that the distraction is the most prevalent or noticeable among others.

a primary diversion

Replaces "distraction" with "diversion", suggesting a more intentional act of diverting attention.

a central diversion

Replaces "main" with "central", highlighting that the source of diversion is pivotal.

a leading distraction

Replaces "main" with "leading", suggesting that the distraction is prominent and influential.

a notable distraction

Highlights the conspicuousness of the distraction, making it easily observed.

a key interruption

Substitutes "distraction" with "interruption", emphasizing the disruptive nature of the element.

FAQs

How can I use "a main distraction" in a sentence?

Use "a main distraction" to identify the primary source diverting attention from a central task or focus. For example, "During the lecture, the student's phone was "a main distraction"".

What are some alternatives to "a main distraction"?

You can use phrases like "a primary diversion", "a key interruption", or "a major distraction" as alternatives to "a main distraction", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a main distraction" in formal writing?

Yes, "a main distraction" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, as it is grammatically correct and widely understood. However, consider the specific context and audience to ensure it fits the tone.

What is the difference between "a main distraction" and "a minor distraction"?

"A main distraction" refers to the most significant source of diverted attention, while "a minor distraction" indicates a less impactful or less important source. The choice depends on the relative importance of the distraction in the given situation.