in the main

USAGE SUMMARY

"in the main" is an accurate and usable phrase in written English.
This phrase can be used to refer to a general thought or concept, usually after discussing details, to indicate that the main point or overall thought remains the same. For example: "The organization's policies have changed over the years, but in the main, the same principles have been upheld."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Sundays in the Main Building.

The New York Times

In the main, by superior industry.

The New Yorker

You see that in the main graph.

Independent

In the main, no.

The Guardian - Opinion

That is reflected in the main performances.

The Guardian

Which, in the main, is what happened.

The Guardian - Sport

I work in the main pharmacy.

The New York Times

In the main politicians are not fools.

The Guardian - Opinion

Majestic's customers are Francophile in the main.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Thieves in the main get caught.

The Guardian - Books

It stuck, in the main, to facts.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in the main", be prepared to address exceptions or minor deviations from the general trend you are describing.

Common error

Avoid using "in the main" when you lack sufficient evidence to support a general claim. Ensure you have enough data or observations to justify the generalization.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the main" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a clause or sentence, indicating the overall or principal aspect being discussed. Ludwig confirms its usability, showcasing diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in the main" functions as an adverbial phrase used to introduce a general statement or summary. Ludwig confirms that it's grammatically correct and frequently used in a variety of contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and business writing. When using "in the main", remember that you are presenting a broad overview, and it's important to acknowledge potential exceptions. Consider alternatives like "primarily" or "mostly" for subtle differences in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primarily

Focuses on the most important aspect.

mostly

Emphasizes the majority or greatest part.

principally

Highlights the main reason or cause.

for the most part

Indicates something is generally true but may have exceptions.

on the whole

Suggests a comprehensive perspective with a general assessment.

generally speaking

Introduces a statement that is broadly accurate but not always true.

by and large

Implies that some minor exceptions do not change the overall view.

chiefly

Points to the most important or prominent element.

largely

Signifies that something is mainly or extensively true.

predominantly

Indicates a prevailing or dominant aspect.

FAQs

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

"In the main" is typically used to introduce a general statement or summary after providing specific details. For example, "The project faced several challenges, but "in the main", it was successful."

What phrases are similar to "in the main"?

Similar phrases include "primarily", "mostly", and "for the most part". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "in the main" in formal writing?

Yes, "in the main" is suitable for formal writing. It is frequently used in news, academic, and business contexts to present a general overview or conclusion.

What is the difference between "in the main" and "mainly"?

"In the main" implies a broader assessment, suggesting that something is generally true despite possible exceptions. "Mainly", on the other hand, simply emphasizes the primary component or aspect.