primary claim

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "primary claim" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the main assertion or argument in a piece of writing or a debate. Example: "The primary claim of the article is that climate change is primarily driven by human activity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

They constituted Neshoba County's primary claim to fame when Reagan won the Republican Party's nomination for president in 1980.

The New York Times

Its primary claim was that Lens.com itself had infringed the 1800CONTACTS mark by purchasing keywords resembling the mark.

Harvard University

He is not concerned, he said, because his holdings are first mortgage bonds, which have primary claim in the event of a default.

The New York Times

Indeed, appellee's primary claim of a present interest in the controversy is that he will obtain emotional satisfaction from a ruling that his son's death was wrongful.

Cornell University

Here, NOPSI's primary claim is that the Council is prohibited by federal law from refusing to provide reimbursement for FERC allocated wholesale costs.

Cornell University

That is, her primary claim is not that her husband never owed the tax [n.10] --a matter thad, had she not paid these taxes herself under the duress of a lien, would not normally be her concern.

Cornell University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Often the most important changes involve the primary claims of the paper or the structure of your argument.

Yale University

Some of the 12 had bought insurance to cover lower-dollar or "primary" claims, but not "excess" judgments.

The New York Times

"Readers should prepare to encounter a more-than-typically self-contradictory Whitman; his primary claims tilt from visionary to reactionary, commonsensical to nonsensical, egalitarian to racist, pacific to bloodthirsty – and back again," he says.

The Guardian - Books

Judge Vaughn Walker's decision, issued yesterday, addresses the two primary claims that provide a basis for constitutional challenges to exclusionary marriage laws: that marriage is a fundamental right and that denying marriage to gay couples constitutes unjustified discrimination.

The Guardian

Their witness testimony relied upon two primary claims – that climate models are wrong and Earth's climate sensitivity is low, which led them to conclude that carbon pollution is lovely.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "primary claim" to denote the single, most important point you are trying to make, distinguishing it from supporting arguments or secondary points.

Common error

Avoid exaggerating the significance of your "primary claim". Ensure it is proportionate to the evidence and analysis you provide.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primary claim" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the central assertion or argument being presented. It acts as a subject or object, referring to the main point of focus, as evidenced by Ludwig examples where it's used to define the core argument in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Academia

26%

Science

26%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "primary claim" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase denoting the main assertion or argument. Ludwig's analysis indicates its common usage in academic, news, and scientific contexts, with a neutral to formal register. Alternatives include "central argument" and "main contention". When using "primary claim", clearly articulate it early in your writing to provide focus, but avoid overstating its significance. The phrase, according to Ludwig AI, is correct and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

central argument

Focuses on the core reasoning or point being made.

main contention

Emphasizes the point of disagreement or dispute.

key assertion

Highlights the importance or significance of the statement.

principal argument

Stresses the foremost or leading argument.

core proposition

Draws attention to the fundamental idea being presented.

chief premise

Indicates the main basis or foundation for a conclusion.

major thesis

Highlights the main subject of a discourse.

leading theory

Focuses on the most prominent or influential explanation.

crucial point

Emphasizes the critical importance of the detail.

fundamental statement

Highlights the basic or essential nature of the declaration.

FAQs

How can I use "primary claim" in a sentence?

You can use "primary claim" to introduce the main argument or assertion in a piece of writing or a debate. For example, "The "primary claim" of this study is that early intervention can significantly improve outcomes for at-risk children."

What's a good alternative to using "primary claim"?

Alternatives to "primary claim" include "central argument", "main contention", or "key assertion", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "primary claim" or "main claim"?

"Primary claim" and "main claim" are often interchangeable. However, "primary claim" can sometimes suggest a foundational or initial assertion, while "main claim" simply emphasizes the most important point.

What makes a claim 'primary' as opposed to secondary?

A "primary claim" is the central, overarching argument. Secondary claims are supporting arguments or evidence that bolster the "primary claim" but are not the core assertion themselves.