main thing with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "main thing with" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the most important aspect or element of a situation or topic. Example: "The main thing with this project is to ensure that we meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Paddy knows that the main thing with actors is confidence".

The New York Times

"The main thing with the Olympics is to show people that we exist," Jason said.

The New York Times - Sports

The main thing with Pippi is she has red hair that sticks up.

The Guardian

"The main thing with her is that she is able to see my brother before she leaves this earth".

The New York Times

"The main thing with our teenagers is a drug problem, not a religious problem," says Bashrhan Khan, 34.

The New York Times

"The main thing with this record is I wanted it to be a lot of fun to play live," he said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

But the main thing wrong with Roberts's piece is the assumption that people like me are just mirror images of people like him: Krugman is a Keynesian because he wants bigger government.

The New York Times

The main thing wrong with hedge funds, apart from limited liquidity and murky disclosures, is their fees.

Forbes

A female participant explained: "If I'm pregnant and I have this significant other,… and I tell them, you know, 'Be with me,' that's the main thing, 'Just be with me' during this time".

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

"That's the main thing," Ms. Diaz says with a sigh.

The New York Times

But the main thing you do with the wireless feature is download new books, so Wi-Fi is probably plenty for most people.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "main thing with" to draw attention to the most important element of a topic, ensuring that your audience understands the core message. For example, "The main thing with time management is prioritizing tasks effectively."

Common error

Avoid using "main thing with" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives such as "key aspect" or "primary consideration" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main thing with" functions as a discourse marker to emphasize the most important aspect of a topic. Ludwig examples show it commonly introduces a critical point.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

8%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "main thing with" serves to emphasize the most important aspect or element within a given context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and relatively common, particularly in news and media. To enhance writing, consider the provided best practices and be mindful of formality. For alternative phrasing, options like "key aspect of" or "most important aspect of" may be more appropriate in formal settings. This phrase is a useful tool for clarifying priorities and guiding focus in discussions across various fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

most important aspect of

Directly indicates the element that holds the greatest significance.

key aspect of

Focuses on a particular feature or element that is essential or crucial.

primary concern regarding

Highlights the principal issue or worry related to something.

central point about

Emphasizes the core or fundamental idea concerning a topic.

chief consideration for

Points to the main factor to take into account when evaluating something.

fundamental issue surrounding

Underscores the basic or foundational problem concerning something.

core element within

Highlights the essential part or component of a system or subject.

critical component relating to

Focuses on the vital part that has a direct impact on something.

essential feature regarding

Indicates a necessary characteristic that defines or affects something.

significant factor concerning

Highlights an important influence that has considerable effect.

FAQs

What does "main thing with" mean?

The phrase "main thing with" is used to highlight the most important or significant aspect, consideration, or feature related to a particular topic or subject. It is a way to emphasize what truly matters or what should be primarily focused on.

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

You can use "main thing with" to draw attention to the most important element of a topic. For example, you might say, "The main thing with learning a new language is consistent practice" or "The main thing with this project is to meet the deadline."

Which is a more formal alternative to "main thing with"?

In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives such as "key aspect of", "primary concern regarding", or "most important aspect of".

What are some common topics where "main thing with" is frequently used?

The phrase "main thing with" can be used in a wide range of topics. It's commonly used when discussing music, sports, editing, or barbecue. The expression is versatile enough to be applied to various fields where emphasis on a key element is needed.