main trends

USAGE SUMMARY

'main trends' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when discussing topics that have a variety of possible outcomes or potential developments. For example, "One of the main trends in the tech industry this year has been the rise of artificial intelligence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He identified three main trends.

The Economist

The exhibition itself revealed three main trends.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In the long run, the bumps will even out; main trends are identifiable; main trends dominate.

The New York Times

Clip each article you find, and write a summary analyzing the main trends.

The New York Times

There are two main trends on the streets of Paris this October.

The New York Times - Style

My job today is to highlight the main trends this year in employee health benefits.

The New York Times - Health

Gad Levanon sums up the main trends in the labor market.

The New York Times

The next 25 years were characterized by two main trends in vertical flight.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Little wonder that Restaurant magazine picked the once humble toastie as one of its main trends for 2014.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That's really the challenge for us all .The post-bubble opportunities seem to lie in exploiting three main trends.

The Economist

Some of Freedman's works are Chinese Family and Marriage in Singapore (1957), Chinese Lineage and Society (1966), and Main Trends in Social and Cultural Anthropology (1979).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In reports or presentations, follow the identification of "main trends" with specific data or examples to support your claims, enhancing credibility.

Common error

Avoid presenting "main trends" without sufficient evidence or analysis. Ensure you have a solid basis for identifying these trends to prevent misinterpretations or inaccurate conclusions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main trends" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig identifies its use in summarizing and highlighting key developments or patterns observed in a particular context. It's often used to introduce the most important aspects of a situation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

37%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "main trends" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves to highlight and summarize the most significant patterns or developments in various fields, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts. Given its frequent and proper usage across authoritative sources, writers can confidently employ "main trends" to effectively communicate key information and direct attention to the most relevant aspects of a topic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

principal tendencies

Emphasizes the primary direction or course of events, similar to main trends but with a slightly more formal tone.

overall tendencies

Similar to "main trends" but emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the observed patterns.

major developments

Highlights significant changes or advancements, focusing on the evolution aspect of trends.

key patterns

Focuses on the identifiable arrangements or sequences that constitute the overall trend.

primary movements

Refers to the main shifts or changes occurring, often in a more dynamic context.

significant shifts

Highlights the important changes or alterations that are taking place.

dominant features

Stresses the most noticeable or influential characteristics of a situation or phenomenon.

notable developments

Focuses on developments worthy of attention or recognition.

prevailing currents

Uses a metaphorical term to describe the forces or influences shaping current events.

general directions

Offers a broader, less specific view of where things are heading.

FAQs

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

You can use "main trends" to highlight the most significant developments or patterns in a particular area. For instance, "The report identifies the "main trends" in the global economy."

What are some alternatives to "main trends"?

Some alternatives to "main trends" include "principal tendencies", "major developments", or "key patterns", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "main trends" in formal writing?

Yes, "main trends" is suitable for formal writing. It's a clear and professional way to describe significant patterns or developments in various fields.

What's the difference between "main trends" and "minor trends"?

"Main trends" refer to the most important and influential patterns, while "minor trends" are less significant and have a smaller impact. Understanding the distinction helps to prioritize your analysis and focus on the most relevant information.