a main thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a main thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an important or primary aspect of a situation or topic. Example: "When planning the event, the main thing to consider is the budget."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Nowadays, resource recovery is a main thing, especially water resource is very important in all types of industries.

Applied Water Science

But it's critical, Whitmore wrote".Yes, the small things need attention, lest they become a main thing.

BBC

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Vice

Being understood by friends was felt to be important: Well luckily the people that come to look after me as it were, they know that I can get - it does, it makes you irritable because it's painful and it's - it's uncomfortable and you want to go to the loo but you know that simply just by getting up and shuffling to the loo, it's like going to be a main thing to do.

BMC Women's Health

(Mandy) Well luckily the people that come to look after me as it were, they know that I can get - it does, it makes you irritable because it's painful and it's - it's uncomfortable and you want to go to the loo but you know that simply just by getting up and shuffling to the loo, it's like going to be a main thing to do.

BMC Women's Health

You can try to start using your bum as a main thing in this dance.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

"This is a pretty main thing – Webs used to be ad-supported.

TechCrunch

To make sure the person has obtained just the right location (for business' that have multiple locations with the same name), this address is a pertinent main thing to look for, and thereby is the reason why Yelp requires it.

WikiHow

"But then I found out that when you get married, and you're living with a person for 24 hours a day, the main thing is communication.

Huffington Post

In a recession, the main thing preventing businesses from expanding capacity isn't the prohibitive cost but a lack of demand.

The New Yorker

This thing of being a hero, aboutthe main thing to do is to know when to die.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a main thing", ensure the context clearly defines what that main thing is, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overusing "a main thing" in close proximity within your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "a primary concern" or "a key element" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a main thing" functions as a noun phrase. It identifies and emphasizes a particular aspect, consideration, or element as being of primary importance or significance in a given context. The phrase is used to draw attention to the most crucial element under discussion.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

29%

Wiki

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a main thing" is a valid and useful phrase for emphasizing the primary importance of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and functions effectively in various contexts. While synonyms like "a key element" or "a primary concern" can offer variety, "a main thing" provides a clear and direct way to highlight what matters most. Although the phrase is not overly common, appearing infrequently, its usage is straightforward and generally neutral, making it suitable for a range of communicative purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a central aspect

Focuses on the core element or feature of something.

a key element

Highlights the importance of an individual component.

a primary concern

Emphasizes what is most worrying or significant.

a major factor

Indicates a significant influence or cause.

a critical point

Stresses the importance of a specific detail or moment.

a crucial element

Highlights an essential or decisive component.

a vital component

Emphasizes that an element is necessary and essential.

a chief priority

Indicates the most important task or objective.

a leading consideration

Highlights the most important aspect to take into account.

an essential aspect

Underscores the necessity of a particular feature.

FAQs

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

You can use "a main thing" to highlight the most important aspect or consideration in a given situation. For example, "When planning a vacation, "budget" is a main thing to consider".

What are some alternatives to "a main thing"?

Alternatives include "a key element", "a primary concern", or "a major factor", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "the main thing" or "a main thing"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "the main thing" implies that there is only one primary element, while "a main thing" suggests one of several important aspects. The choice depends on the context.

What is the difference between "a main thing" and "an important thing"?

"A main thing" emphasizes centrality or primary importance, whereas "an important thing" simply indicates significance. The former carries a stronger sense of prioritization.