main company

USAGE SUMMARY

"main company" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the parent company of a group of companies (also known as a 'firm') or an organization from which divisions, subsidiaries, or other related organizations have been or will be formed. For example: "Although the main company is based in London, they have established branches in major cities around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It's become my main company dish".

The New York Times - Books

I went into the main company both stronger and smarter".

The New York Times - Arts

He joined the Met's national touring company in 1965 before being appointed to the main company.

The New York Times

He persuaded Opera Australia, the country's main company, to take on both productions.

The Economist

Tommy Suharto's main company, PT Humpuss, is not subject to the freezing order.

The New York Times

Now, seven years later, the main company is making its American debut.

The New York Times

Then playing Napoleon in Cinderella with the main company when I was 17.

The Guardian

Ashley's main company is Mash Holdings Ltd, which holds the vast majority of his assets.

The Guardian - Sport

Like many second companies, it is intended to feed into the main company.

The New York Times - Arts

However, the main company in the group, Skype Technologies SA, had its headquarters in Luxembourg.

The Guardian - Business

She is now apprenticed to the main company for the season at the Metropolitan Opera House.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a company with subsidiaries or divisions, use "main company" to clearly distinguish the parent organization from its related entities.

Common error

Do not use "main company" when "company" alone is sufficient. Overusing "main" can make your writing redundant. Reserve it for contexts where distinguishing the parent company from subsidiaries is essential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main company" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific business entity, often in relation to its subsidiaries or divisions. Ludwig provides several examples demonstrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "main company" is a common and grammatically correct term used to denote the primary entity within a group of companies. As Ludwig's examples indicate, it is frequently used in news, business, and general contexts to distinguish the parent organization from its subsidiaries or related entities. When writing, it is important to use this phrase judiciously, reserving it for instances where such a distinction is necessary to avoid redundancy. Alternatives like "parent company" or "flagship company" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

parent company

Focuses on the controlling entity within a group of companies.

flagship company

Emphasizes the leading and most prominent company in a group.

principal company

Highlights the company with the most significant role or importance.

core company

Indicates the central or essential company within an organization.

lead company

Stresses the company that takes the primary role.

primary business

Shifts the focus to the main activity rather than the entity.

key enterprise

Highlights the importance and scale of the company.

dominant firm

Emphasizes the market power and influence of the company.

chief corporation

A more formal way to denote the primary company.

central organization

Broader term applicable beyond just business contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "main company" to refer to the primary entity within a group of companies. For instance, "The subsidiary operates independently, but the "main company" sets overall strategy."

What phrases can I use instead of "main company"?

Alternatives include "parent company", "flagship company", or "principal company" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it redundant to say "the main company" when "company" would suffice?

Yes, it can be redundant. Use "main company" only when you need to distinguish it from subsidiaries or other related entities. Otherwise, "company" alone is usually adequate.

What's the difference between "main company" and "holding company"?

A "holding company" is a company created to control other companies, while "main company" simply refers to the primary operating entity within a group, which may or may not be a holding company.