a main effort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a main effort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the primary or most important task or initiative in a given context. Example: "Our team has identified a main effort to improve customer satisfaction through enhanced support services."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

They follow a "main effort concept," including deductions for services not part of the main effort [45].

Health Economics Review

A main effort in current antibody engineering involves the use of phage display library construction and panning to select high affinity antibodies for research and therapeutic purposes [20], [21].

Plosone

A main effort in GNET projects has been to assess the reasons for consumption of traditional and current staple carbohydrate sources.

Globalization and Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The question has been nagging away at America, all the more because the political establishment has largely failed to come up with an answer.Its main effort so far, the development plan produced by the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, an organisation stuffed with the great and good, was a damp squib.

The Economist

Tony Blair has hinted at a slower retreat, saying British troop numbers may be cut by half within a year.The political "main effort", meanwhile, lies in persuading the Iraqi government to reach out to its Sunni compatriots, in the hope that they may take action to reduce support for the insurgency.

The Economist

The majority of the Japanese force was believed to be concentrated in the south and as a result the main effort of the Australian plan was focused upon driving towards Buin.

Wikipedia

A great example of main effort can be seen in a battle that occurred in the 1960s in Southeast Asia.

Forbes

No, the presence of Turkey gives a critical edge of credibility to the farce, enough to cast a shadow on the main effort to contain Iran's nukes by the U.S., Europe and other superpowers as if that consensus were not wobbly enough.

Forbes

Nevertheless, it was decided that the Australians would go on the offensive and would pursue a three pronged advance across the island, with the main effort being an advance in the southern sector along the narrow coastal plain towards the Japanese stronghold at Buin.

Wikipedia

In an interview with the pan-Arab newspaper Al-Hayat, Mr. Brahimi said the main effort should be a binding Security Council resolution on a political transition.

The New York Times

On 18 July, TFs 37 and 38 conducted further air strikes in the Tokyo area, with the US Navy's main effort being an attempt to sink the Japanese battleship in Yokosuka Naval Base.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a main effort", ensure it clearly identifies the single most important objective or task. This helps maintain focus and resource allocation.

Common error

Avoid diluting the impact of "a main effort" by listing several equally important goals. The phrase implies a singular focus; if multiple objectives exist, consider rephrasing to reflect that reality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a main effort" functions as a noun phrase, identifying the principal task or objective within a given context. It serves to highlight the area of focus, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a main effort" serves to identify a principal task or objective, highlighting its priority. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English. While "a main effort" is acceptable across various contexts, it is best suited for situations where a singular focus needs to be emphasized. Alternatives like "primary focus" or "key initiative" can be used to provide similar emphasis. The phrase is most frequently used in Science, News & Media and Wiki contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a primary focus

Emphasizes the central point of attention or activity.

a key initiative

Highlights the importance and strategic nature of the endeavor.

a central undertaking

Stresses the core nature and commitment involved.

a principal endeavor

Focuses on the chief and determined aspect of the work.

the primary task

Underscores the fundamental and prioritized nature of the job.

a major undertaking

Highlights the significance and scale of the activity.

a leading priority

Indicates the top-ranked importance of the issue.

the focal point

Emphasizes the central element around which activities are organized.

a core activity

Stresses the essential nature and inherent role of the work.

a strategic move

Highlights the planned and calculated nature of the action.

FAQs

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

You can use "a main effort" to highlight the primary task or objective in a particular situation. For instance, "The team's "main effort" is to improve customer satisfaction this quarter".

What are some alternatives to using "a main effort"?

Alternatives include phrases like "primary focus", "key initiative", or "central undertaking", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

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

Yes, "a main effort" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in business, military, or strategic planning contexts where identifying a central objective is crucial. However, consider the audience and choose the most appropriate alternative if needed.

What's the difference between "a main effort" and "an effort"?

"A main effort" specifically denotes the most significant or prioritized action, while "an effort" simply refers to any attempt or endeavor. Using "a main effort" emphasizes the singular, primary focus.