main term

USAGE SUMMARY

"main term" is a correct and usable term in written English.
It is used to refer to an important or key concept, term, or phrase. For example, "The main term in this discussion about economic policy is 'supply-side economics.'".

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

The main term for the people of Botswana is Batswana.

The Guardian

can be considered as main term as T[ρ0 r1)] ≈ T[ρ0] W  + correction.

Journal of Theoretical and Applied Physics

For p= 0, the main term in T is the Schwarzian derivative S, Sf="(f‴f′−32(f‴f′−32.

Journal of Functional Analysis

The constant in the main term of the order of in (1.22) is better than that in (1.31).

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

It is shown that the main term in an asymptotic representation of solutions at infinity satisfies a finite-dimensional dynamical system perturbed by a small nonlocal operator.

Journal of Functional Analysis

Applying Taylor's expansion, we obtain that the main term of truncation error (Er_{j}^{n}) is (mathcal{O} tau^{2} + tau^{4} + h^{4})).

Boundary Value Problems

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

ANIMAL CARE LABELS Four main terms indicate the level of care hens received.

The New York Times - Food

These will be the main terms for our clothing of the future".

The New York Times - Style

— Alex A: The main terms of the Dream Act are incorporated in the Senate bill.

The New York Times

Some of the main terms (e.g., "grave," "hades," and "soul") go back several millennia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On the Jersey Shore, the two main terms for unpleasant outsiders are bennies and shoobies.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "main term", ensure it clearly identifies the most significant concept being discussed to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The "main term" in the theory of relativity is spacetime."

Common error

Avoid using "main term" in overly simple sentences where the term's significance is already obvious. Instead of "The "main term" is important", try "The key concept is essential to understanding the subject."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main term" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying a central or essential element within a particular context. As shown by Ludwig, it's used to highlight the most important concept or subject under discussion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

24%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "main term" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to highlight a central concept or element. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage across various domains. While versatile, it's best used when the term's importance isn't already implied. Consider alternatives like "key element" or "core concept" for nuanced expressions. Its prevalence in science, news, and formal business contexts underscores its utility in professional and academic communication. When writing, ensure the "main term" is well-defined and relevant to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary concept

Replaces "term" with "concept", focusing on the idea rather than the wording.

key element

Emphasizes the importance of the component rather than the specific wording.

core component

Highlights the essential and central nature of the element.

central idea

Shifts the focus to the core concept or thought.

principal aspect

Highlights a significant part or feature.

major theme

Focuses on an overarching subject or topic.

essential aspect

Emphasizes the necessity and importance of the aspect.

fundamental concept

Highlights the foundational nature of the concept.

primary focus

Emphasizes the main area of attention or concentration.

chief characteristic

Shifts focus to the most important attribute or feature.

FAQs

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

Use "main term" to identify the central concept or phrase in a discussion or field of study. For example, "In statistics, the "main term" is variance."

What's a good alternative to "main term"?

Alternatives include "key element", "core concept", or "primary focus depending on the context".

Is it redundant to say "main term" if the context already implies importance?

Sometimes. Consider alternatives like "essential aspect" or "central idea" if the importance is already clear.

What is the difference between "main term" and "key term"?

"Main term" generally refers to the primary subject, while "key term" emphasizes the importance of a specific word or phrase. They are often interchangeable but "key term" is more focused on terminology.