main enemy is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "main enemy is" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when identifying or discussing the primary adversary or opponent in a particular context, such as in literature, games, or personal conflicts. Example: "In the story, the main enemy is a powerful sorcerer who seeks to conquer the kingdom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Main enemy is flooding.

The New Yorker

The main enemy is sloth.

The New York Times

"Our main enemy is gone".

The New York Times

His main enemy is an unforgiving political timetable.

The Guardian

Their main enemy is the so-called moderates".

The Guardian

"They can run the country in a dictatorial way because the main enemy is gone.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

The main enemy was the Nazis.

The Economist

The main enemy was at home (Lenin's WWI slogan).

The Guardian - Books

The revelations of "The Main Enemy" are more in the details than the substance.

The New York Times - Books

It's infinitely depressing to read once again the epic of that ultimate loose cannon, Louis Freeh, who decided that his main enemy was the Clinton White House.

The New York Times - Books

But for the Pakistan Army, the main enemy are ethnic Baluch separatists, who killed three soldiers in a bomb attack in central Quetta on Nov. 21.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "main enemy is", ensure that the context clearly defines who or what the opposing force represents to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify the group, ideology, or entity that is considered the primary adversary.

Common error

Avoid using "main enemy is" without providing specific context. Instead of stating, "The main enemy is out there", clarify who or what "out there" refers to. Be specific and provide details to enhance clarity and understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main enemy is" functions as a subject complement, identifying or defining the subject's primary adversary. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable and grammatically correct. Examples show its use in defining enemies ranging from political entities to abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "main enemy is" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to identify the primary adversary or threat in a specific context. Ludwig AI confirms this, noting its broad applicability and grammatical soundness. It appears frequently in news and media sources, with neutral formality. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying who or what the "main enemy" represents. Alternatives include "primary adversary is" and "chief foe is". As for frequency, "main enemy is" is a common phrase, finding its place in many sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary adversary is

Replaces "main enemy" with "primary adversary", emphasizing the principal opponent.

chief foe is

Substitutes "main enemy" with "chief foe", indicating the principal antagonist.

principal opponent is

Replaces "main enemy" with "principal opponent", highlighting the leading competitor or adversary.

greatest threat is

Changes "main enemy" to "greatest threat", focusing on the most significant danger.

biggest rival is

Substitutes "main enemy" with "biggest rival", emphasizing the primary competitor.

key antagonist is

Replaces "main enemy" with "key antagonist", denoting the central opposing character or force.

foremost adversary is

Substitutes "main enemy" with "foremost adversary", indicating the leading opponent.

major antagonist is

Replaces "main enemy" with "major antagonist", highlighting the prominent opposing character.

leading threat is

Changes "main enemy" to "leading threat", emphasizing the most significant danger.

chief competitor is

Substitutes "main enemy" with "chief competitor", highlighting the primary rival.

FAQs

What does "main enemy is" mean?

The phrase "main enemy is" identifies the primary adversary or opponent in a specific context. It singles out the most significant threat or rival that one must contend with.

How can I use "main enemy is" in a sentence?

You can use "main enemy is" to clearly identify the principal adversary. For example, "In this political climate, the "main enemy is" misinformation", or "For this startup, the "main enemy is" established competitors".

Which is a more formal way to say "main enemy is"?

More formal alternatives to "main enemy is" include "principal adversary is", "primary opponent is", or "chief antagonist is".

What can I say instead of "main enemy is"?

You can use alternatives like "primary adversary is", "chief foe is", or "greatest threat is" depending on the context.