as main

USAGE SUMMARY

"as main" can be used in written English.
It is generally used to refer to something taking precedence or being more important than other things. For example, "This dish will be served as main course at the dinner party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Don't neglect noodles as main courses.

The New York Times

In 4% no one speaks English as main language.

The Guardian

Then the May Festival Chamber Choir, led by Mr. Porco, took over as main attraction.

The New York Times - Arts

A native of Kalamazoo, Mich., Ms. Kohns, 37, describes her upbringing as "main line Protestant".

The New York Times

On their UK tour, however, they have played safe with Beethoven and Brahms as main fare.

The Guardian - Music

As Main Street shops closed their doors, so did Main Street synagogues.

The Guardian

The best dishes, appetizers as well as main courses, were the straightforward ones.

The New York Times

Freeing trade, privatizing government companies and limiting government spending were once seen as main ingredients.

The New York Times

Fight fans typically don't view fighters under 130 pounds as main attractions.

The Guardian - Sport

Sprinkle with cilantro, and serve as appetizer or, with steamed jasmine rice, as main dish.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Many of those dishes are also available as main-course-size raciones, at £8.95.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as main" to clearly indicate the principal role or function of something within a given context. For example, "She served as main speaker at the conference" effectively communicates her primary role.

Common error

Avoid using "as main" when you need a more specific description of the role or function. "As main" should be replaced with a more accurate term if possible. For example, instead of "He worked as main programmer", you might say "He worked as lead programmer" to be more specific.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as main" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or verb, indicating the primary role, function, or characteristic of something. Ludwig AI confirms its use in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

28%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Food

8%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as main" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote the principal or primary role of something. As evidenced by the numerous examples from Ludwig, it's frequently employed in diverse contexts ranging from scientific literature and news reports to discussions of food and culture. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent usage. While it's generally suitable, carefully consider whether a more specific term might enhance clarity in certain situations. When writing, ensure that "as main" accurately reflects the subject's primary function to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as primary

Replaces "main" with "primary", emphasizing the foremost importance or role.

as leading

Focuses on the guiding or directing aspect, suggesting a position of leadership.

as principal

Indicates the chief or most important element in a given context.

as key

Highlights the essential or crucial nature of something.

as central

Emphasizes the core or fundamental role of something.

as dominant

Suggests a prevailing or controlling influence.

as foremost

Highlights the most prominent or important position.

as major

Indicates a significant or substantial role.

as chief

Implies the highest rank or authority.

as fundamental

Emphasizes the basic and essential nature.

FAQs

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

The phrase "as main" is used to designate the primary function or role of something. For instance, "This ingredient serves as main flavoring in the dish" indicates its primary contribution to the dish's taste.

What is a good alternative to "as main"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "as primary", "as leading", or "as principal" to express a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say "as main role" instead of "as main"?

While "as main" is acceptable, using "as main role" can sometimes provide additional clarity, especially when the context might be ambiguous. However, it can also be redundant in many cases.

What's the difference between using "as main" and "as the main"?

The inclusion of "the" can add emphasis or specificity. "As main" generally indicates a primary function, while "as the main" can suggest that something is the single most important element.