are two main things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are two main things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing or summarizing key points or ideas in a discussion or explanation. Example: "In this presentation, I will discuss the challenges we face, and there are two main things we need to address."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

There are two main things that we're interested in.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Professor Tamar Gendler: So we have quite a bit to do in lecture today, but there are two main things that are going to happen.

Yale University

There are two main things that Americans need to know when it comes to the Affordable Care Act and what it means for you.

The New York Times

But what exactly is in the box?Elaine Sternberg, an academic philosopher and business consultant (and a former investment banker), persuasively argues in her book, "Just Business", that there are two main things: "ordinary decency" and "distributive justice".

The Economist

"There are two main things about Tony McCoy.

BBC

It is worth noticing that there are two main things in iterations.

Data Science and Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Here are three main things.

Forbes

There are three main things that must be established so bilateral reviews can work.

TechCrunch

There are four main things driving the excitement about blockchains in the enterprise.

Forbes

There are three main things that are wrong with department stores: consumers don't shop the way that department stores are set up, there are not enough people on the sales floor to provide any service, let alone differentiating service, and stores do little to nothing to create an experience enriched by online – they are islands, isolated from the rest of consumers' shopping journeys.

Forbes

There are five main things that we suggest you keep in mind when planning the date for your destination wedding.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting information, use "are two main things" to clearly introduce the most important points. This helps the audience focus on key takeaways.

Common error

While grammatically correct, relying too heavily on "things" can make your writing vague. Try to replace "things" with more specific nouns like "factors", "aspects", or "considerations" to improve clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are two main things" functions as an introductory phrase to highlight the two most significant points or aspects of a topic. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is a standard construction to focus attention on key elements.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are two main things" serves as a useful way to introduce two crucial points or aspects of a topic. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and can be used in various contexts. While common, be mindful of overusing the word "things" and consider alternatives for greater specificity. When using the phrase, "There are two main things", ensure you use the correct sentence structure. This construction works well in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki type contexts. Remember to clearly and concisely present your information when employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

two primary considerations

Replaces "main things" with "primary considerations", emphasizing importance and thoughtfulness.

two key elements

Substitutes "main things" with "key elements", highlighting fundamental components.

two central aspects

Replaces "main things" with "central aspects", emphasizing core perspectives.

two essential factors

Substitutes "main things" with "essential factors", highlighting crucial determinants.

two important points

Replaces "main things" with "important points", stressing significant details.

the two major issues

Replaces "main things" with "major issues", emphasizing significance and problems.

the two principal components

Substitutes "main things" with "principal components", highlighting fundamental constituents.

the two foremost concerns

Replaces "main things" with "foremost concerns", emphasizing primary worries.

the two significant items

Substitutes "main things" with "significant items", highlighting meaningful elements.

the two crucial facets

Replaces "main things" with "crucial facets", emphasizing vital aspects.

FAQs

How can I use "are two main things" in a sentence?

You can use "are two main things" to introduce two essential points, aspects, or considerations related to a particular subject. For example, "There are two main things to consider when buying a house: location and price."

What can I say instead of "are two main things"?

You can use alternatives like "two primary considerations", "two key elements", or "two central aspects" depending on the context.

Which is correct: "are two main things" or "there are two main things"?

"There are two main things" is the grammatically correct and more common usage, as it includes the necessary expletive "there" to introduce the statement. "Are two main things" is incomplete and would not be used on its own.

What's the difference between "are two main things" and "are the two main things"?

"Are two main things" usually introduces a list of two primary items among others, while "are the two main things" suggests that these are the only two important items.