a primary component of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a primary component of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing essential parts or elements that contribute significantly to a whole. Example: "Water is a primary component of all living organisms, playing a crucial role in their biological processes."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Collagen is a primary component of mammalian hair.

University of California, Berkeley

G-Lab strongly emphasizes concrete "leave-behinds" as a primary component of the teams' project deliverables.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Online Analytical Processing (OLAP) has become a primary component of today's pervasive Decision Support systems.

Future Generation Computer Systems

Sex estimation is a primary component of the identification of skeletonized individuals in forensic anthropology.

Forensic Science International

It should also be noted that a primary component of traditional African art is performance and assemblage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Toner as a composite of colorant, polymer and additives is a primary component of electrophotographic printing and copying processes.

Composites Part B: Engineering

Reducing phosphorus (P) concentration in surface water is a primary component of the ongoing effort to restore the Florida Everglades.

Ecological Modelling

Fragmentation of the ecosystems of the earth into spatially isolated units has emerged as a primary component of global change.

Global Environmental Change

Lignin is a primary component of lignocellulosic biomass that is an underutilized feedstock in the growing biofuels industry.

Current Opinion in Biotechnology

Antibacterial coatings are rapidly emerging as a primary component of the global mitigation strategy of bacterial pathogens.

Trends in Biotechnology

Amyloid β (Aβ) peptides are a primary component of fibrils and oligomers implicated in the etiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Journal of Molecular Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a primary component of", ensure that the component you are describing genuinely holds a central or fundamental role within the system or entity you are discussing. Use precise language to specify the exact nature and function of this component.

Common error

Avoid using "a primary component of" for elements that are merely supportive or secondary. Reserve this phrase for aspects that are truly essential and foundational to the subject at hand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a primary component of" functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject complement or object complement, identifying or describing a key element within a larger system or concept. Ludwig's examples show this across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

49%

News & Media

25%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a primary component of" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize the crucial role of an element within a larger system or concept. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across various domains, including science, news, and academia. While alternatives like "a key element of" or "an essential part of" exist, "a primary component of" specifically highlights the foundational nature of the element being described. When using the phrase, ensure that the element truly holds a central role and avoid overstating its importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key element of

This alternative emphasizes the elemental nature of the component, suggesting it's a fundamental piece.

an essential part of

This alternative stresses the necessity of the component for the whole to function correctly.

a core aspect of

This alternative highlights the central and indispensable nature of the component.

a fundamental ingredient of

This alternative likens the component to an ingredient in a recipe, essential for the final outcome.

a crucial factor in

This alternative focuses on the component's importance in influencing a particular result or outcome.

a major constituent of

This alternative highlights the compositional role of the component, emphasizing its contribution to the makeup of something.

a vital constituent of

This alternative emphasizes the critical nature of the component for the health or function of the whole.

a significant feature of

This alternative emphasizes the noteworthiness and importance of the component within a larger context.

a central element in

This alternative highlights the importance in position within a system or process.

an integral aspect of

This alternative emphasizes the inseparability of the component from the whole.

FAQs

How can I use "a primary component of" in a sentence?

Use "a primary component of" to indicate that something is a key or essential element of a larger whole. For instance, "Communication is "a primary component of" a successful relationship".

What can I say instead of "a primary component of"?

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

Is it better to use "a primary component of" or "a major component of"?

Both phrases are correct, but ""a primary component of"" suggests a more foundational and indispensable role, whereas "a major component of" simply indicates a significant part.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "a primary component of"?

Avoid using "a primary component of" if the element you're describing is only a minor or peripheral part of the whole. It should be reserved for truly central and defining aspects.