main thing is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "main thing is" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to emphasize the most important point or aspect of a discussion. An example: "The main thing is to stay focused on your goals." Alternative expressions include "the key point is" and "the most important thing is."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The main thing is comfort.

The New York Times

The main thing is the team".

Independent

The main thing is don't panic.

The New Yorker

The main thing is that connotes losing".

The New York Times - Sports

The main thing is the clothes".

The New Yorker

His main thing is holding onto power".

Independent

"The main thing is we keep winning.

Independent

"The main thing is nothing is irreversible.

The Guardian

The main thing is relationships and respect.

The New York Times

"The main thing is security.

The New York Times - Magazine

"The main thing is results.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the statement following "main thing is" is concise and directly addresses the topic at hand.

Common error

Avoid using "main thing is" repeatedly in close proximity within your writing; this can make your text sound repetitive and less impactful. Instead, vary your phrasing with alternatives such as "the key point", or "most importantly."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main thing is" functions as a discourse marker or sentence frame. It highlights the most crucial element or aspect of a situation or discussion. Ludwig's examples show it's used to introduce a summary or key takeaway. It helps in focusing the listener or reader on what matters most.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

7%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "main thing is" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase employed to underscore the most critical point. According to Ludwig, its strength lies in its clarity and directness. It is versatile across various contexts, from news to informal conversation, but should be used judiciously to avoid redundancy. Alternative phrases, like "the key is" or "most importantly", can enhance stylistic variation. Ludwig AI confirms its reliable usage based on its prevalence in high-quality sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the key is

Replaces "thing" with "key", suggesting the crucial element for success or understanding.

the most important thing is

Adds emphasis by explicitly stating the importance of the element.

the primary focus is

Shifts the emphasis to the central point of attention or effort.

the essential point is

Highlights the fundamental aspect that needs to be considered.

above all

Emphasizes what is most important over everything else.

the crux of the matter is

Highlights the central or decisive point of an argument or issue.

the bottom line is

Indicates the most important consideration or the ultimate result.

the heart of the matter is

Focuses on the central or most vital aspect of a situation.

fundamentally

Emphasizes the basic or essential nature of something.

essentially

Similar to 'fundamentally' focusing on the core aspect.

FAQs

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

The phrase "main thing is" is typically used to introduce the most important point or aspect of a discussion. For example: "The "main thing is to stay focused" on your goals".

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

You can use alternatives like "the key is", "the most important thing is", or "the primary focus is" depending on the context.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "main thing is"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and acceptable to start a sentence with "main thing is". It's a common way to emphasize the primary point right from the beginning.

What's the difference between "main thing is" and "the point is"?

While both phrases introduce a crucial point, "main thing is" typically emphasizes the most important aspect, whereas "the point is" focuses on the central idea or argument being made.