a main element of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a main element of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or essential part of a larger concept, idea, or system. Example: "Collaboration is a main element of successful project management."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

A main element of this collaboration has been a series of workshops – eight, so far.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The effect of the speedy decision will be to undermine a main element of a Democratic court challenge to the Florida plan.

The New York Times

The amount of outstanding asset-backed commercial paper, which has become a main element of an unregulated, uninsured, shadow banking system, has fallen 30percentt since August.

The New York Times

That new panel is a main element of the "Sarbanes bill" that passed tonight -- named for Senator Paul S. Sarbanes, the Maryland Democrat who has long championed these measures.

The New York Times

Department officials also said that the commissioner would begin to re-institute Operation Condor, a main element of the department's strategy in recent years that paid officers overtime to work on fighting street-level drug activity.

The New York Times

Piano has argued that the public plaza forms a main element of the scheme, and that it will greatly improve the area around Paddington, as well as links to the station.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

A main element is the activation of the adenosine-diphosphate (ADP) receptor.

Core Evidence

The design and operation of a bioreactor as the main element of fermentation is a complex task, not only with respect to a reactor's configuration and size but to the control and mode of operation.

Current Developments in Biotechnology and Bioengineering Bioprocesses, Bioreactors and Controls

The main element of a MR valve is a solenoid that creates a magnetic field to control viscosity and rheological behavior of the fluid due to structuring of the disperse phase of magnetic particles in magnetic field.

Procedia Engineering

The shield of the arms of each province, on a blue background and circled with ten gold maple leaves, the whole surmounted by a crown, forms the main element of the flag of the Lieutenant-Governor of that province.

Wikipedia

Every agency or bureau requires that you complete this test before becoming a wildland firefighter: The main element of the WCT is known as the "pack test".

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a main element of", ensure that the context clearly defines the larger concept or system to which the element belongs. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a main element of" when describing something that is merely contributing or secondary. Reserve it for truly essential components to maintain accuracy and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a main element of" functions as a modifier, specifically a prepositional phrase, that identifies a primary component or aspect of something. It highlights a key part within a broader context, as Ludwig examples demonstrate.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a main element of" is a phrase used to emphasize a primary component or aspect within a larger context. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and commonly used across various domains, including news, science, and academia. Related alternatives include "a key aspect of" and "an essential part of". When employing this phrase, ensure that the element you're describing truly is a core component to avoid overstating its importance. While suitable for many registers, maintain awareness of the context to ensure appropriateness. Its frequent use in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key aspect of

Replaces "element" with "aspect", focusing on a particular feature or part.

a primary component of

Substitutes "element" with "component", emphasizing the compositional nature.

a central feature of

Replaces "element" with "feature", highlighting a prominent characteristic.

an essential part of

Emphasizes the necessity of the "element".

a significant factor in

Shifts the focus to the influence of the "element".

a crucial ingredient of

Uses "ingredient" to convey that the element is essential for a specific outcome.

a vital portion of

Replaces "element" with "portion", highlighting its importance to the whole.

a core principle of

Emphasizes that it is a founding rule and fundamental concept.

a fundamental aspect of

Highlights that it is a base or something serving as an essential component.

a cornerstone of

Implies that it is an indispensable quality of something on which everything else depends.

FAQs

How can I use "a main element of" in a sentence?

Use "a main element of" to describe a significant component within a larger context. For example, "Collaboration is "a main element of" successful teamwork".

What can I say instead of "a main element of"?

You can use alternatives like "a key aspect of", "a primary component of", or "an essential part of" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a main element of" or "the main element of"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "a main element of" implies that there are multiple main elements, while "the main element of" suggests there is only one.

What's the difference between "a main element of" and "a key element of"?

While both phrases are similar, "a key element of" emphasizes the importance or significance of the element, whereas "a main element of" simply highlights its role as a primary component.