main thing for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "main thing for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the primary focus or purpose of something in a specific context. Example: "The main thing for us to remember during this project is to stay on schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So, what's the main thing for us?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

That was the main thing for me.

The Guardian - Sport

That is the main thing for me," he added.

Independent

"That was the main thing for me," he said.

The New York Times

"The main thing for me was to get the apology".

The Guardian

"The main thing for us was to get though.

The Guardian - Sport

"Main thing, for sure, is getting players healthy and have the whole group playing," Ginobili said.

The New York Times - Sports

The main thing for Luan and Jim is that they should look into claiming tax credits.

Independent

The main thing for us is that our chances weren't zero," Sant says.

Independent

'The main thing for me was how much I learnt doing the series,' he says.

The Guardian

The main thing for us is to be given a longer guarantee for being kept open.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "main thing for", ensure the context clearly defines for whom or what the "main thing" is crucial to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "main thing for" when the subject's importance is unclear or overstated. Instead, consider more precise language that accurately reflects the degree of significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main thing for" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or pronoun. According to Ludwig, it correctly highlights the primary focus or key aspect concerning someone or something, as showcased in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Wiki

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "main thing for" is a versatile expression used to emphasize the most important aspect or priority in a given situation. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It is common in news, academic, and business contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about who or what the "main thing" is important for. Alternatives include "primary focus for" and "key priority for". Overall, "main thing for" is a useful phrase for highlighting what matters most.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary focus for

Changes "main thing" to "primary focus", emphasizing the element of concentration or attention.

key priority for

Substitutes "main thing" with "key priority", highlighting the importance and order of concerns.

central aspect of

Replaces the phrase with a more descriptive term emphasizing the centrality of an element.

chief concern for

Emphasizes the worry or issue that takes precedence.

most important element for

Replaces the idiom with a direct and literal phrasing.

fundamental consideration for

Highlights the foundational nature of the thing being considered.

principal objective for

Focuses on the goal or aim that is of utmost importance.

essential point for

Highlights the crucial detail that must be taken into account.

overriding factor for

Emphasizes that the factor in question supersedes other considerations.

core component of

Shifts the focus to a necessary ingredient or part of something.

FAQs

How can I use "main thing for" in a sentence?

You can use "main thing for" to emphasize the primary focus or purpose of something in a specific context. For example, "The "main thing for" us is to complete this project on time".

What can I say instead of "main thing for"?

You can use alternatives like "primary focus for", "key priority for", or "chief concern for" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the main thing for me is"?

Yes, it is correct and commonly used. It indicates what is most important from your perspective. For example, "The "main thing for" me is that everyone is safe".

What's the difference between "main thing for" and "most important thing for"?

While similar, "main thing for" often implies a practical focus or immediate concern, whereas "most important thing for" can refer to broader values or long-term goals. The choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.