major text

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "major text" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an important or significant piece of writing, such as a book, article, or document that holds substantial value in a particular context. Example: "The major text for our literature course this semester is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

For the first time, Hebrew variant texts are extant and all known major text types are present.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 1957 he published Sociology of Deviant Behavior, a major text book now in its 14th edition and still widely used.

The New York Times

"Wanda has been ignored by every major text of feminist film theory published in English over the last 20 years," said Bérénice Reynaud in an essay on Wanda in 2002.

The Guardian - Film

In "The Analects," a major text of the Confucian philosophy that dominated (critics would say oppressed) China for most of two millennia, she finds advice for stress reduction, forgiveness, simple living, friendship and achieving one's dreams.

The New York Times - Arts

"This is emphatically not a book intended to be seen only," the historian Albert Hoxie wrote in The Los Angeles Times, noting its "major text of impeccable and up-to-the-minute scholarship".

The New York Times - Arts

These assumptions, challenged in the interwar years in the Joycean novel, had already found opposition in the prose fictions of Samuel Beckett, Joyce's disciple and fellow Irishman, who published his first major text in French in 1951.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

The major texts of modern fantasy have all been pointedly, even deliberately regressive.

The New York Times

He edited several major texts and series, including the Oxford History of the Christian Church.

The New York Times

What it really means to do is discredit major texts, and the Bible is a major target of deconstructionism.

The New York Times - Arts

(This is the first time that the major texts will be available in English in their entirety).

The New Yorker

English encompasses a wide range of subjects, so you can study all kinds of things alongside the major texts.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "major text" to clearly communicate the importance of the text in question. For example, "'The Wealth of Nations' is a major text in economics".

Common error

While "major text" is appropriate in academic and professional settings, it can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "important book" or "key reading" in informal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "major text" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "major" modifies the noun "text". It identifies a written work of significant importance or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

28%

News & Media

28%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "major text" is a grammatically correct and commonly used term to describe a significant and influential piece of writing. According to Ludwig, it is widely accepted and appears frequently in academic, news, and scientific contexts. While suitable for formal settings, it might sound overly formal in casual conversations. Alternatives such as "principal text" or "important text" can be used depending on the specific context. Remember to use "major text" when you want to clearly communicate the importance and influence of a particular written work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

principal text

Replaces "major" with "principal", emphasizing importance and leading role.

primary text

Replaces "major" with "primary", focusing on the text being first in order of importance.

important text

Emphasizes the significance of the text.

significant text

Highlights the notable or consequential nature of the text.

key text

Focuses on the text being essential or crucial.

fundamental text

Indicates the text serves as a basic or foundational element.

essential text

Stresses the indispensability of the text.

weighty text

Suggests the text is substantial and carries significant intellectual value.

seminal text

Implies the text is highly influential and groundbreaking.

leading text

Highlights the text's position as a guide or authority in a field.

FAQs

How can I use "major text" in a sentence?

You can use "major text" to refer to an important or influential piece of writing. For example: "'The Republic' is considered a "major text" in political philosophy".

What are some alternatives to "major text"?

You can use alternatives like "principal text", "primary text", or "important text" depending on the specific context.

Is "major text" formal or informal?

"Major text" is generally considered a formal phrase suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic contexts.

Which is more appropriate, "major text" or "major book"?

While both can be correct, "major text" typically refers to any significant written work, while "major book" specifically indicates a book. Use "major text" when referring to articles, documents, or other non-book writings; otherwise, "major book" is fitting.