meat of the

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "meat of the" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts where one is referring to the main or most important part of something, often in discussions or analyses. Example: "In this report, we will focus on the meat of the argument, which highlights the key issues at stake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Food

Tech

Books

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here was the meat of the show.

The New York Times - Arts

-- provide the intellectual meat of the play.

The New York Times

Now to the meat of the trailer.

The Guardian - Film

That came from the meat of the meat of the middle.

The Guardian - Sport

Grass-fed beef is the meat of the moment.

The Washington Post

The meat of the thing is pure pulp.

The New Yorker

Remove meat of the berry from the hull.

The New York Times - Food

Predictably, the Falcons made mince meat of the "motivated" Eagles.

The New York Times

I'm not getting the meat of the matter".

The Guardian - Music

Rabbits, Hanna-Korpi says, are the meat of the future.

The New Yorker

"This is where the meat of the campaign is".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "meat of the" to clearly emphasize the most important part of a discussion, argument, or subject matter. It helps to focus attention on the core elements.

Common error

Avoid using "meat of the" too frequently in your writing. Overuse can make your prose sound repetitive and less impactful. Vary your vocabulary with alternatives like "core", "essence", or "crux" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "meat of the" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as a subject complement or object of a preposition. It identifies the most important or essential aspect of something, as shown by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Tech

10%

Books

8%

Less common in

Food

5%

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "meat of the" is a versatile and commonly used expression to highlight the most essential part of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and appears frequently in diverse contexts, particularly in news and media, technology, and books. While alternatives such as "core of the" or "essence of the" exist, "meat of the" effectively emphasizes the substance and significance of the matter at hand. When using this phrase, ensure it genuinely directs attention to the core elements and avoid overuse to maintain clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

core of the

Focuses on the central and most vital part.

heart of the

Emphasizes the emotional or fundamental essence.

essence of the

Highlights the intrinsic nature or quality.

crux of the

Points to the decisive or critical point.

substance of the

Refers to the essential content or meaning.

gist of the

Indicates the main point or general idea.

nub of the

Highlights the central point or kernel of something.

pith of the

Stresses the essential or vigorous part.

thrust of the

Indicates the main force or direction.

bottom line of the

Focuses on the most important conclusion or outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "meat of the" in a sentence?

You can use "meat of the" to refer to the most important part of something. For example: "The "meat of the matter" is that we need to address the core issues immediately."

What are some alternatives to "meat of the"?

Some alternatives include "core of the", "heart of the", or "essence of the". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "meat of the" in formal writing?

Yes, "meat of the" can be used in formal writing, especially when you want to emphasize the key point or main substance of a topic. However, consider alternatives like "core of the" for a slightly more formal tone.

What's the difference between "meat of the argument" and "point of the argument"?

"Meat of the argument" refers to the most substantial and critical part of the argument, whereas "point of the argument" simply refers to a specific idea or claim being made. The former emphasizes the essential component, while the latter is more general.