main meal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "main meal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the primary or most significant meal of the day, typically lunch or dinner. Example: "For dinner, we usually have our main meal around 7 PM."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then the main meal.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

My main meal is at night.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Yesterday the family's main meal was eggs, bread and tea.

The Guardian

For the first few weeks, this was my main meal.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I just didn't like a sandwich as a main meal".

The New York Times - Food

Below we print her main meal recipes for one week.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The average price of a main meal is £8.40.

Independent

I wanted an appetizer before the main meal and a summery dessert afterward.

The New York Times - Food

12.45pm: Lunch with whole family, which was his main meal of the day.

The Guardian

Typical ejecutivo (weekday lunch - the main meal of the day) £1.50 for three courses.

The Guardian - Travel

Also chipolatas, whole ham, pork joint – whatever comprises your main meal.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about dietary habits or cultural norms, use "main meal" to clearly indicate the most substantial or important meal of the day.

Common error

In casual conversations or informal writing, consider using simpler terms like "dinner" or "lunch" to avoid sounding overly formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main meal" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the primary or most substantial meal of the day. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

25%

Science

22%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "main meal" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that refers to the most substantial or important meal of the day. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability across various writing styles. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context and audience when choosing between "main meal" and simpler alternatives like "lunch" or "dinner". Predominantly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts, "main meal" serves to inform and specify, making it a valuable addition to your vocabulary. Always strive to use "main meal" in a clear and concise manner, ensuring it fits the tone and register of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

principal meal

This alternative emphasizes the importance or rank of the meal.

primary repast

Replaces "meal" with "repast", a more formal and somewhat archaic term for a meal.

major feeding

Uses "feeding" instead of "meal", which can sound less formal or more focused on the act of eating.

chief course

Refers to the main part of a multi-course meal.

central dish

Emphasizes the key component of the meal, often the most substantial or flavorful.

largest meal

Highlights the size or quantity of food consumed during this meal.

most important meal

Emphasizes the nutritional or cultural significance of the meal.

substantial nourishment

Replaces both "main" and "meal" with more descriptive terms, focusing on the nutritional aspect.

featured cuisine

Implies the meal is a highlight or specialty.

core sustenance

Focuses on the meal as a source of essential nutrients.

FAQs

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

You can use "main meal" to refer to the primary meal of the day, for example: "In many cultures, the "main meal" is eaten at midday."

What is a good substitute for "main meal"?

Alternatives to "main meal" include "principal meal" or "primary repast", depending on the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it more common to say "main meal" or "major meal"?

"Main meal" is more frequently used than "major meal" to describe the most substantial meal of the day.

What's the difference between "main meal" and "side dish"?

The "main meal" refers to the primary dish or dishes of a meal, while a "side dish" is a supplementary item that accompanies the main course.