a main strand of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a main strand of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant or central theme, idea, or element within a larger context or discussion. Example: "In her analysis of the novel, she identifies a main strand of social commentary that runs throughout the text."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

A main strand of his practice was the entertainment industry.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

These were assigned as a main strand and a gate strand.

Nanoscale Research Letters

He also provides a splendidly pithy summary of the main strand of his argument, saying: "[E]ducating people to use technology is not what the motion is about.

The Economist

However, when no surface deformation was observed, the rupturing of the main strand of the fault system was ruled out as a cause.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As a result, he concurs with the British approach, which will increasingly confine public provision to a pension covering basic needs.However, the author has no time for the other main strand of pension reform.

The Economist

"The main strand of Warren Court liberalism was small-d democracy," Professor Tushnet said.

The New York Times

The other main strand of his practice was in human rights, financed in part by the entertainment side.

The Guardian

The main strand of writing that Manchester has generated is related to industry, mass democratic movements and working conditions.

The Guardian - Books

The other main strand of Beaumont's argument involves showing why nightwalkers are such popular literary figures.

The Guardian - Books

What follows along this particular and eventually main strand of the story includes Doris's instant and fiery seduction of Patrick so as to get pregnant, her solicitous nurturing of her impregnator -- love-stricken for the first time in his life and wearing Otto's hand -- and, once birth takes place, her amiable dismissal of him and hand both.

The New York Times - Books

The main strand of the Aristotelian tradition has been the Greek line, which lasted 2,000 years, mainly in the area along the eastern Mediterranean Sea, and branched off at various stages between the 4th and 15th centuries, giving rise to (or strengthening) other traditions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing complex topics, use "a main strand of" to clearly identify and emphasize the most important themes or elements for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "a main strand of" in situations where a simpler phrase like "the main point" or "the key idea" would suffice. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a main strand of" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, highlighting its grammatical validity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a main strand of" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to emphasize a significant element within a broader context. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears frequently in news, science, and encyclopedic sources, indicating a formal to neutral register. While versatile, overuse in simpler contexts should be avoided. Alternatives like "a key aspect of" or "a significant element of" can provide stylistic variation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key aspect of

This alternative focuses on the importance of the element, emphasizing its role as a key aspect.

a central component of

This emphasizes the element's role as a necessary part of a larger whole.

a significant element of

Highlights the element's importance or impact.

a primary feature of

Focuses on the element as a distinguishing characteristic.

a core theme in

Highlights the element's role as a recurring and essential idea.

an essential part of

Emphasizes the element's necessity for completeness or functionality.

a fundamental aspect of

Focuses on the element's foundational nature.

a principal element in

Highlights the element's leading or dominant role.

a crucial facet of

Emphasizes the element's decisive or critical nature.

a major line of

Highlights the element's as the main direction, similar to strand but more geometric in application.

FAQs

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

Use "a main strand of" to highlight a significant element or theme within a broader context. For example, "A main strand of the argument is that current policies are ineffective."

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

You can use alternatives like "a key aspect of", "a central component of", or "a significant element of" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the main strand of" or "a main strand of"?

Both phrases can be correct, but "a main strand of" implies that there are multiple strands, and you are highlighting one of them. "The main strand of" implies there is one primary strand.

What's the difference between "a main strand of" and "a major theme of"?

"A main strand of" often refers to a more specific element or component, while "a major theme of" usually refers to a more overarching, conceptual idea. They can be interchangeable, but context matters.