main

USAGE SUMMARY

"main" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as an adjective or noun to refer to the most important or focus of an activity. For example: "This is the main reason why we decided to move." or "The main issue that needs to be addressed is cost."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Among the last set of polls, three showed the main parties level-pegging, three had the Conservatives in front by a single point and one gave Labour a two-point advantage.

The Guardian

For two main reasons.

The Economist

In reality, the effect on MPs' seats is more complex to measure as voters are not spread evenly across constituencies: some areas within may heavily favour one party, others its main rival.

The Guardian

This month, the Portuguese government agreed with the main opposition party on more austerity measures to cut its deficit faster than planned, to 4.6 percent of Portugal's gross domestic product next year from 9.4 percent last year.

The New York Times

"That's our main concern".

The New York Times

There are three main reasons for that.

The Guardian

The main opposition party could hardly refuse to support it, or it would be displaying lack of confidence in its ability to win the ensuing general election.

The Guardian

Inside the cocoon of an event where the main sponsors don't accept that human caused climate change is even real, the news from Beijing seemed to further outline how rapidly the world could change – whether the coal industry likes it or not.

The Guardian

Take two relatively recent scandals of agents the forces of law and order were running within two main paramilitary force as evidence of this.

The Guardian

He was the main presenter of BBC Breakfast for a number of years.

The Guardian

Yet while Santiago offers an intriguing and easy introduction to the country, it is nothing more than an appetizer for the main courses to be found elsewhere.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "main" to clearly identify the most important element, aspect, or component of something, ensuring clarity in your communication.

Common error

Avoid using "main" repeatedly within the same paragraph. Opt for synonyms like "primary", "key", or "central" to vary your language and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The word "main" primarily functions as an adjective to describe something of chief importance or size. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. It can also function as a noun, referring to the principal part of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "main" is a versatile word, functioning primarily as an adjective or noun to denote chief importance or centrality. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread use. While its meaning is straightforward, substituting it with synonyms like "primary" or "principal" can enhance writing. Used across diverse contexts, predominantly in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science, "main" serves as a reliable tool for emphasizing significance. To maintain writing quality, consider diversifying word choice to avoid redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary

Focuses on the order of importance or sequence rather than sheer dominance.

chief

Emphasizes a position of leadership or command.

principal

Highlights the foremost or leading element in a set.

key

Stresses the essential or crucial nature of something.

central

Indicates a position of centrality or focus.

major

Suggests a significant degree or extent.

foremost

Highlights preeminence or the highest rank.

leading

Suggests guidance or direction.

paramount

Emphasizes supreme importance or authority.

dominant

Stresses control or influence over others.

FAQs

How can I use "main" in a sentence?

You can use "main" as an adjective, such as in "The "main reason" for the decision was cost", or as a noun, like in "The "main course" was delicious".

What are some alternatives to the word "main"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "principal", "primary", or "key" to replace "main".

Is it correct to say "the main important thing"?

While understandable, "the main important thing" can be redundant. It's often better to use either "the "main thing"" or "the most important thing".

What's the difference between "main" and "primary"?

"Main" generally indicates the most significant or prominent aspect, while "primary" suggests the first in order or importance. The best word depends on whether you want to emphasize significance or sequence.