main use

USAGE SUMMARY

"main use" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a particular use of a thing or concept that stands out as the primary or most well-known one. For example, "The main use of hydrogen is as a fuel source in fuel cells."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Electricity generation has become its main use.

Encyclopedia of Energy, Natural Resource, and Environmental Economics

As a metal, its main use is in jewellery.

The Economist

Today their main use is for energy purposes.

Energy and Buildings

Skype's main use will almost certainly be social -- making phone calls.

The New York Times

The main use of the drug is against non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a cancer of B cells.

The New York Times

The main use of cars is not long trips, but short ones.

The New York Times

Instead, the main use would be to make copies of prized animals for breeding.

The New York Times

The main use will be for writing essays using Microsoft Word.

The Guardian - Tech

Today the main use is in helping to extract oil from petroleum wells.

MIT Technology Review

Its main use today is in buoys, which inherently have to operate unattended.

Britannica

The main use of the machine was the calculations for the hydrogen bomb.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the function of a tool, technology, or concept, use "main use" to clearly identify the most prevalent application. For example: "The main use of a hammer is driving nails."

Common error

Avoid using "main use" when describing a function if there are multiple, equally significant applications. Instead, specify all key uses or opt for a term like "common uses".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main use" functions as a noun phrase where "main" modifies the noun "use". According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently employed. It describes the primary purpose or application of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "main use" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression for designating the principal application or purpose of something. As Ludwig AI affirms, it's widely accepted and understood. Its prevalence spans various domains, including news, science, and encyclopedic content. While alternatives such as "primary application" or "principal function" exist, "main use" offers clarity and conciseness. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the primary purpose and avoid overgeneralization in contexts with multiple equally significant applications. Remember, clarity is key when elucidating the core function of any subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary application

Focuses on the most important or initial application.

principal function

Emphasizes the core or essential function something performs.

chief purpose

Highlights the primary intention or aim behind something's existence or design.

central role

Indicates the most significant role something plays within a system or process.

major function

Similar to "main use" but can imply that there are other notable uses.

key application

Emphasizes the importance or criticality of a particular application.

primary function

Highlights what something is fundamentally designed to do.

essential purpose

Stresses the indispensable nature of the purpose.

core function

Identifies the most basic and necessary function.

principal application

Similar to "main use" but suggests an emphasis on a structured or formal context.

FAQs

What is the meaning of "main use"?

"Main use" refers to the primary or most common application or purpose of something. It highlights the most significant function among other possible uses.

How can I replace "main use" in my writing?

Alternatives to "main use" include "primary application", "principal function", or "chief purpose" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the mainly use" instead of "main use"?

No, "the mainly use" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrase is "main use", where "main" acts as an adjective describing the type of use.

What's the difference between "main use" and "common use"?

"Main use" refers to the single most important application, whereas "common use" implies there are multiple widespread applications, not necessarily ranked in importance.