main item

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "main item" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the most important or primary object in a list or discussion. Example: "The main item on the agenda for today's meeting is the budget review."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The main item has been Russia's SU-27 fighter aircraft.

The Economist

But they acknowledge that Iraq is also a main item on the agenda.

The New York Times

The main item on the agenda is Julian Assange's appeal to be granted bail.

The Guardian

There are, however, always ranks of glasses for the main item on the menu -- booze.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Nobody is going to buy Cracker Jack because it's their main item," Brigandi said.

The New York Times - Sports

Of course, most people are there for the main item, and it delivers.

The New Yorker

James Levine conducted the program's main item, George Antheil's joyous racket of a piece, "Ballet Mecanique".

The New York Times - Arts

These extras often block significant parts of the main item we're supposed to be watching.

The New York Times

"Today it would be a main item if we were considering buying two more".

The Economist

The main item on the agenda might have been the plans for an attack on an American naval vessel.

The New York Times

I'm sure the future of the G grouping is probably the main item for their discussion later this afternoon.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about a topic with several points, use "main item" to clearly signal the most significant aspect to your audience.

Common error

While "main item" is acceptable, in casual conversations, consider more relaxed alternatives such as "the big thing" or "the main deal" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main item" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It identifies the most important or significant element within a given context, as demonstrated in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "main item" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It serves to identify the most important element in various contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for diverse writing scenarios. It is highly prevalent in news and media, with less common usage in encyclopedias and reference materials. When employing "main item", ensure it aligns with the overall tone and formality of your writing, and consider using related phrases to provide variation. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correctness and widespread applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary element

Focuses on the element being first in importance or sequence.

central component

Highlights the role of being an integral part of a larger whole.

key aspect

Emphasizes the importance from a specific viewpoint or consideration.

principal feature

Underscores the prominence and noteworthiness of a particular aspect.

core element

Stresses that the element is foundational and essential.

essential aspect

Highlights that the aspect is indispensable or necessary.

chief component

Indicates the component is highest in rank or importance.

prime feature

Focuses on the feature being of the best quality or the most important.

major element

Emphasizes the element's significance and size.

crucial aspect

Highlights the critical nature of the element for success or completion.

FAQs

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

You can use "main item" to refer to the most important part of something, such as "The "main item" on the agenda is the budget."

What are some alternatives to using "main item"?

Alternatives to "main item" include "primary element", "central component", or "key aspect", depending on the context.

Is "main item" formal or informal?

"Main item" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in both professional and general contexts. More formal alternatives may exist, depending on the desired tone.

How does the meaning of "main item" differ from "minor detail"?

"Main item" refers to the most significant aspect, while "minor detail" refers to a less important or trivial aspect. They are contrasting terms used to distinguish importance.