main draw

USAGE SUMMARY

"main draw" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You would use it to refer to the main participants in an event or competition. For example, "The main draw of next month's tournament will include the top ten players in the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The main draw remains unchanged.

The New York Times - Food

But the clothes are the main draw.

The New York Times - Arts

Food is not the main draw.

The New York Times - Travel

Yi is in the main draw.

The New York Times - Sports

But Mr. Alagna was the main draw.

The New York Times - Arts

In Hong Kong gambling is the main draw.

The Economist

The main draw competition at the Open begins Monday.

The New York Times

But the main draw, for me, was always the bar.

The Guardian

Now its main draw is its private parking lot.

The New York Times

The wine list is a main draw, full of possibility.

The New York Times

But the fireplace is not the room's main draw.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "main draw" to specifically refer to the primary participants in a competition or the most significant attraction of an event. Avoid using it when referring to general importance or features.

Common error

Don't confuse "main draw" with general importance. "Main draw" refers specifically to the primary attraction or the key participants in a competitive event, not just any important aspect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main draw" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically referring to the central attraction or the primary list of participants in a competition or event. Ludwig examples show its usage in diverse contexts, such as sports tournaments and event highlights.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "main draw" is a commonly used noun phrase that refers to the primary attraction or list of participants in a competition or event. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. To effectively use "main draw", remember it applies when pointing out core attractions and primary participants in a competitive or featured event. Avoid using it when referencing any other key aspect. Alternatives like "primary attraction" or "headlining act" can provide nuance depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

headlining act

Highlights the featured performer, diverging from competition.

primary attraction

Focuses on the allure rather than participation.

prime attraction

Emphasizes attractiveness, and is not necessarily competition-related.

featured participant

Shifts focus to individual prominence.

chief attraction

Similar to "primary attraction" but emphasizes popularity.

key element

Emphasizes importance rather than competitive inclusion.

major highlight

Focuses on standout moments rather than overall participation.

central feature

Highlights the core aspect, not necessarily involving competition.

principal aspect

Stresses the main component, diverging from competition.

highlighted component

Shifts focus from the overall event to a specific element.

FAQs

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

You can use "main draw" to refer to the primary participants in a competition, as in "The "main draw" of the tournament includes several top-ranked players" or to the primary attraction of an event, as in "The "main draw" of the festival is the headlining musical act".

What's a good alternative to "main draw" when referring to the key attraction of an event?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "main draw" include "primary attraction", "key element", or "chief attraction".

Is "main draw" appropriate in formal writing?

Yes, "main draw" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when discussing events or competitions. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.

What does it mean to "qualify for the main draw"?

To "qualify for the "main draw"" means to successfully pass preliminary rounds or meet specific criteria to earn a place among the primary participants in a tournament or competition.