main ingredient is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "main ingredient is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the primary component of a recipe or a mixture in cooking or food-related contexts. Example: "The main ingredient is flour, which gives the bread its structure and texture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The main ingredient is pine".

The New York Times

The main ingredient is Stolichnaya vodka.

The Guardian - Film

Finally, the main ingredient is: write from the heart.

The Guardian - Books

The main ingredient is maltodextrin, the thickening agent mentioned earlier.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Because its main ingredient is frozen fruit, which is requisite here.

The New York Times

What's more, the spa's main ingredient is in sloppy supply right on its doorstep.

The Guardian - Travel

(Oddly, the face of Mr. Reagan, the main ingredient, is barely detectable).

The New York Times - Arts

These are even more important with fish tacos, because the main ingredient is so mild.

The New York Times - Food

You can't get much more flavor out of a dish whose main ingredient is water.

The New York Times

Perhaps the main ingredient is the "very genuine reactions of the kids," he said.

The New York Times

The main ingredient is the generalization of the classical Strichartz estimates.

Journal of Functional Analysis

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "main ingredient is" to emphasize the most crucial element in a process, argument, or system, ensuring clarity and focus.

Common error

Avoid overshadowing the "main ingredient is" by listing too many less significant components first. Prioritize the key element for impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main ingredient is" functions as a descriptive phrase. It introduces the principal component of a mixture, recipe, or concept. This is supported by Ludwig which indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "main ingredient is" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to denote the most important component of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. It commonly appears in News & Media, Science, and Academic sources, indicating a neutral register. Related phrases include "key component is" and "primary component is". When using this phrase, ensure focus remains on the key element, avoiding the overshadowing of minor ingredients. The phrase's frequency is very common.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

key component is

Emphasizes the essential nature of the ingredient.

primary component is

Highlights the ingredient that is of most importance or comes first.

principal component is

Indicates the leading or most significant component.

critical ingredient is

Highlights the essential and crucial nature of the ingredient.

essential element is

Focuses on the element that is absolutely necessary.

most important part is

Highlights the part with the greatest significance.

core element is

Highlights the element that forms the basis or foundation.

central aspect is

Shifts focus to a more abstract aspect that is most important.

fundamental aspect is

Focuses on an underlying aspect.

cornerstone is

Metaphorically identifies the foundational element.

FAQs

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

You can use "main ingredient is" to specify the key component of something, such as "The main ingredient is sugar, which provides the sweetness."

What's a good alternative to "main ingredient is"?

Alternatives include "key component is", "primary component is", or "essential element is", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "main ingredient are"?

No, "main ingredient is" is grammatically correct when referring to a singular main ingredient. If you're referring to multiple main ingredients, use "main ingredients are".

How does "main ingredient is" differ from "important ingredient is"?

"Main ingredient is" highlights the central component, while "important ingredient is" simply indicates a significant, but not necessarily primary, element. The "main ingredient is" usually more impactful.