main variable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "main variable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as statistics, programming, or research to refer to the primary factor being analyzed or manipulated. Example: "In this experiment, the main variable we are testing is the effect of temperature on reaction rates."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He was the main variable: his work, his wits, his ability to wage and win civil society's most momentous battle".

The New York Times - Books

"The main variable is that the intifada has stirred the radical juices in Iran," said a senior American official.

The New York Times

As you can see, the main variable expenses of our budget are compensation and scholarship.

The New York Times

Of these, academic studies tend to stress the role of crowd support in swaying refereeing decisions as the main variable.

The Economist

(Customs duties are the main variable).

Forbes

Our main variable of interest is the intended retirement age.

IZA Journal of Labor Economics

The main variable was the percentage content by weight of RAP aggregates in the concrete mixture.

Construction and Building Materials

The latter was the main variable due to its effect in biomass solubility and kinetics.

Chemical Engineering Science

The corrosion ratio of longitudinal reinforcement and the axial compression ratio were the main variable parameters.

Engineering Structures

The service's main variable costs are fees for text messages, and Sheth says that they've had to implement caps to keep costs under control.

TechCrunch

The dissolved oxygen concentration was identified as the main variable influencing the nitrite accumulation during nitrification.

Bioresource Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In statistical analysis, ensure the "main variable" is appropriately controlled for confounding factors to avoid biased results.

Common error

Avoid treating the "main variable" as the only factor influencing an outcome. Acknowledge and discuss other contributing variables to provide a more nuanced analysis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "main variable" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying the key element or factor under consideration in a given context. It is commonly used to specify the variable of greatest interest or impact, as supported by Ludwig's examples across various disciplines.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

64%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "main variable" is a common and grammatically sound term used across various fields, particularly in science, news, and formal business settings. According to Ludwig AI, it effectively identifies the primary factor of interest in a study or analysis. While "main variable" is widely used and accepted, remember to consider other contributing factors for a more comprehensive understanding. Alternatives such as "key factor" or "primary factor" can be used depending on the specific context. In summary, "main variable" serves as a crucial term for highlighting the most significant element influencing an outcome.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

key factor

Focuses on the importance of the variable as a factor.

primary factor

Emphasizes the factor's primary role.

principal component

Highlights the variable as a major element.

dominant variable

Suggests the variable has the most influence.

major determinant

Indicates the variable strongly influences an outcome.

chief influence

Highlights the variable's power to affect something.

critical aspect

Focuses on the variable's importance as an aspect.

central element

Emphasizes the variable's position as a core component.

driving force

Implies the variable is the catalyst for change or action.

core driver

Stresses the fundamental nature of the variable as a driver.

FAQs

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

You can use "main variable" to describe the primary factor of interest in a study, experiment, or analysis. For instance, "The "main variable" in this study is the effect of sunlight on plant growth."

What are some alternatives to "main variable"?

Alternatives include "key factor", "primary factor", or "dominant variable" depending on the context.

In research, is it appropriate to only focus on the "main variable"?

While the "main variable" is the focus, it's crucial to acknowledge and control for other contributing factors to ensure the results are reliable and not oversimplified.

How does the "main variable" differ from a confounding variable?

The "main variable" is the factor being investigated, while a confounding variable is an extraneous factor that can affect the relationship between the "main variable" and the outcome, potentially leading to misleading results.