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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
main material is
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "main material is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the primary substance or component of an object, product, or work. Example: "The main material is aluminum, which provides both strength and lightweight properties for the structure."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Wiki
Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
3 human-written examples
Here the main material is metal signs.
News & Media
Her main material is raffia, the fibrous leaves of an African palm tree, which she uses in "Esu's Magic Bag," along with wrapped and coiled wire, cloth, leather and wool.
News & Media
Step into the laboratory of an artist whose main material is light!
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
57 human-written examples
Analytical expressions for the stress strain state in both the weld and the main material are proposed.
Science
The buildings including steel-structured bridges, plants and ocean platforms which take steel as the main material are prone to fall into pitting corrosion.
The main materials were soft sandstone rubble and mortar, with a stucco exterior to protect the insides from water and wind.
News & Media
The style of Abode combines gentle flat-roofed modernism with barn-like East Anglian forms, the main materials being buff brick variegated with dark textured strips, and black timber boarding.
News & Media
Main materials are energy and paper.
The main materials are silica and carbon.
The main materials being examined by AC-EPD are inorganic, including carbon nanotubes, TiO2 nanoparticles, Al2O3, Si, SnO2, ZnO and WO3 and biological entities, e.g. bacteria cells.
Science
Over 70% of the dry material of solid residue is lignin, and other main materials are cellulose, hemicellulose, and biomass.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When describing the composition of an object or substance, use "main material is" to clearly indicate the primary component. For example, "The main material is steel, which provides strength and durability."
Common error
Avoid repetitive use of "main material is" in close proximity. Vary your language by using alternatives such as "chief component", "primary substance", or simply stating the material directly to enhance readability.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "main material is" serves as a declarative statement, identifying the primary substance or component of something. Ludwig examples show this phrase used across various contexts, from art reviews to engineering analyses, to clearly specify the dominant element in question.
Frequent in
Science
33%
News & Media
33%
Wiki
33%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "main material is" is a grammatically sound and usable expression employed to pinpoint the primary substance or component of an object, structure, or entity. While relatively infrequent, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, its usage spans across domains such as Science, News & Media, and Wiki. Ludwig indicates its utility in clearly specifying the essential makeup of something, aiding comprehension and analysis. Alternatives such as "primary substance is" or "chief component is" can provide stylistic variation, as needed.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
major component is
Substitutes "main material" with "major component", indicating a significant part.
primary substance is
Replaces "main material" with "primary substance", focusing on the essential composition.
chief component is
Substitutes "main material" with "chief component", emphasizing the principal part.
dominant substance is
Replaces "main material" with "dominant substance", emphasizing prevalence.
principal element is
Replaces "main material" with "principal element", highlighting a key ingredient.
key constituent is
Substitutes "main material" with "key constituent", highlighting importance.
essential constituent is
Substitutes "main material" with "essential constituent", stressing a necessary part.
fundamental element is
Replaces "main material" with "fundamental element", suggesting basic makeup.
core ingredient is
Replaces "main material" with "core ingredient", often used in recipes or formulations.
primary element consists of
Replaces "main material is" with "primary element consists of", focusing on the constitution.
FAQs
How can I use "main material is" in a sentence?
Use "main material is" to identify the primary component of something. For example, "The "main material is" wood, giving the structure its rustic appearance."
What are some alternatives to "main material is"?
Alternatives include "primary substance is", "chief component is", or "the principal element is". Each can add a slightly different nuance depending on the context.
Is it correct to say "the main materials are"?
Yes, "the main materials are" is grammatically correct when referring to multiple primary components. For instance, "The "main materials are" steel and concrete."
What's the difference between "main material is" and "the primary ingredient is"?
"Main material is" typically refers to a physical substance, while "the primary ingredient is" is often used in the context of recipes or chemical compounds. The phrases are not interchangeable.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested