main use of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "main use of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the primary function or purpose of something. Example: "The main use of this software is to streamline project management and improve team collaboration."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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

The main use of large-scale sculpture has been in conjunction with architecture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The main use of pointing has been for the indirect method of carving.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As a result, the main use of IR sensors in robotics is for obstacle avoidance.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

The third main use of the Stanford ID Card is to record an individual's StanfordCardPlan Account activity.

Stanford University

Asking more of it, he wrote, "does not fit easily within the main use of the amendment".

The New York Times

So far, excluding investors and day traders, the main use of the currency appears to be illicit activity.

The New York Times

What is clear, however, is that the main use of the currency appears to be illicit activity.

The New York Times - Tech

A main use of the data gathered by the newest devices is to reconstruct events that send patients to emergency rooms.

The New York Times

The main use of stem cells now is to reconstitute the immune system after strong chemotherapy or radiation treatment for certain cancers of the blood.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "main use of", ensure the sentence clearly indicates what is being used and for what primary purpose to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid confusing secondary applications with the "main use of". Clearly distinguish the principal function from other potential applications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main use of" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the principal application or purpose of something. This is supported by Ludwig AI's analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "main use of" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase to denote the primary function or purpose of something. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage. While versatile, it appears most often in scientific, news, and academic contexts. Alternatives like "primary application of" or "principal function of" can add variety. When writing, clearly identify what's being used and its primary purpose to avoid ambiguity, and distinguish the "main use of" from any secondary applications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary application of

Replaces 'use' with 'application', suggesting a more formal or technical context.

principal function of

Substitutes 'use' with 'function', emphasizing the operational aspect.

chief purpose of

Replaces 'main' with 'chief' and 'use' with 'purpose', highlighting the primary intention.

core function of

Emphasizes the essential or fundamental role.

primary function of

Substitutes 'main' with 'primary' to indicate highest importance.

basic application of

Similar to primary application, yet focusing on the base function.

central purpose of

Indicates a focal intention or aim.

key application of

Highlights the most important or crucial application.

fundamental purpose of

Emphasizes the underlying and essential intention.

essential function of

Highlights the crucial operational aspect that can't be dismissed.

FAQs

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

You can use "main use of" to describe the primary function of something. For example, "The "main use of" this software is project management."

What are some alternatives to "main use of"?

Alternatives include "primary application of", "principal function of", or "chief purpose of".

Is it redundant to say "the main use and purpose of"?

While not strictly incorrect, "the main use and purpose of" can be redundant. Consider using just ""main use of"" or rephrasing to avoid repetition.

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

"Main use of" refers to the primary or most important application, while "common use of" refers to a frequent but not necessarily primary application. Something can have a "common use of" that isn't its ""main use of"".