main meat

USAGE SUMMARY

'main meat' is not a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You would use the phrase 'main dish' instead. For example, "The main dish at the banquet was roast beef."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

There was a main meat course, with other entrees customized to the guests' needs.

The New York Times

The main meat of the story is so well told that we don't need the death-foretold hanging over us.

The Guardian - Books

Sardinians are less fixated on carb-heavy primi piatti than the mainlanders: it's normal to leap straight from (substantial) antipasto to the main meat or fish event.

The Guardian - Travel

Beyond St. Peter's Cornhill lies Leadenhall Market, once London's main meat market, and now a covered hodgepodge of shops and boutiques.

The New York Times - Travel

Besides the main meat curries, you can also pick up seekh kebabs (£1.50) and tandoori chicken pieces (from £1.20) from the little charcoal grill.

The Guardian - Travel

That breakfast deluge is in stark contrast to a dinner menu (two courses £18; three courses £25, drinks extra) offering just two starters, three choices of main (meat, fish, vegetarian) and three desserts.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

But what of the main meats?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He added: "However, given the financial climate, it is also possible that fraud – including cheaper meats to 'bulk up' the main constituent meat product - is involved".

Independent

The companies were selected to cover beef, lamb and venison export supply chains such that the main New Zealand meat exports were covered.

Agricultural and Food Economics

Among the main dishes, meats were mostly well prepared and supporting players almost ignored.

The New York Times

In main dishes, meats, fish, seafood and birds are of high quality and are treated accordingly; in three visits all were beautifully cooked.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using "main course" or "primary meat" instead of "main meat" for clarity and better grammatical acceptance. If referring to the core subject, use "main point" or "central theme".

Common error

Avoid using "main meat" when referring to the primary argument or subject of a discussion. The phrase is most commonly associated with food, so using it metaphorically can be confusing. Instead, opt for phrases like "main argument" or "key point".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main meat" functions primarily as a descriptor, typically indicating the primary meat component of a meal or dish. However, its usage can be ambiguous, as it is not always grammatically sound. Ludwig AI suggests the phrase is not a correct and usable one in written English and to use 'main dish' instead.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "main meat" is used to describe the primary meat component of a meal or dish. However, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically questionable and suggests "main dish" instead. Its usage spans various contexts, including news media, science, and encyclopedias. While "main meat" appears relatively frequently, writers should exercise caution and consider more precise alternatives like "main course" or "principal meat" for improved clarity and grammatical correctness. When referring to the core subject, use alternatives such as "main point" or "central theme".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main course

Refers specifically to the primary dish of a meal, replacing "meat" with a broader term for the dish.

primary meat

Emphasizes the meat's importance by using "primary" as a synonym for "main".

chief meat

Substitutes "main" with "chief", indicating the most important or prominent meat.

principal meat

Replaces "main" with "principal", highlighting the meat as the most significant.

central meat

Focuses on the meat being the core or center of the dish or meal.

main part of the meat

Clarifies that it is the principal portion of the meat being referred to.

featured meat

Indicates the meat is a highlighted or prominent component.

meat centerpiece

Suggests the meat is the central or focal point of the meal.

core meat component

Highlights the meat as an essential and central element.

essential meat

Emphasizes the meat's necessity or fundamental importance.

FAQs

How can I use a more appropriate phrase instead of "main meat" in a sentence?

Instead of "main meat", you can use "main course" to refer to the primary dish of a meal. If you are referring to the essential part of something, use "main point" or "central theme".

What is a suitable substitute for "main meat" when discussing the most important part of a topic?

When discussing the most important aspect of a topic, use "key element", "central aspect", or "primary focus" instead of "main meat".

Is "main meat" grammatically correct in formal writing?

While "main meat" is sometimes used, it is often considered grammatically awkward. For formal writing, "main course" or a more specific term like "featured meat" is preferred when discussing food. When talking about a subject use more specific alternatives.

What alternatives can I use for "main meat" in a culinary context?

In a culinary context, you can use "main dish", "centerpiece of the meal", or "principal meat" as alternatives to "main meat".