primary clue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "primary clue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the most important piece of information or evidence that helps to solve a problem or mystery. Example: "The detective found a primary clue that led to the resolution of the case."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Over and over, we practiced blurting out a primary clue ("Old-fashioned ladies' underwear") and then a secondary one ("Blank Junction").

The New York Times

To specify the genre does not really matter since my largest concern is not literary form, but my fear of the consequences.' Once again, the new book is Exhibit A, a primary clue in the inquiry into the Mailer conundrum.

The Guardian - Books

A preparatory drawing in the Uffizi with the same static scene is the primary clue to the appearance of the original fresco, in which Hawkwood was apparently more armored, taller, and along with his horse in a more militaristic stance.

Wikipedia

Clinical clues that should raise suspicion are listed in Table 4. aThis feature is a primary clue for considering the C9ORF72 mutation.

Alzheimer's Research and Therapy

Nonetheless, our result demonstrating higher FA and lower RD values in CD males compared to CD females provides a primary clue to why boys have higher rates of conduct problems than girls.

BioMed Research International

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Hot flushes and irregular periods are the primary clues, but how many thirty- or fortysomething women have not experienced at least one of the following: fatigue, weight gain, migraines, insomnia, joint aches, skin problems, breast tenderness, dizziness, disorientation, depression or changes in libido?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The primary clues to these revisions come from a theory of reification proposed by the Hungarian socialist Georg Lukács in the 1920s and from interdisciplinary projects and debates conducted by members of the Institute of Social Research in the 1930s and 1940s.

SEP

BD simulations predicted that all the six scorpion toxins in this study use their β-sheets to bind to the extracellular entryway of the Kv1.3 channel, which is in line with the primary clues from the electrostatic interaction calculations and mutagenesis results.

Biophysical Journal

So how do you source the best shrimp when the primary clues at your supermarket are "small, medium, and large?" Here are four things you need to know about buying shrimp.

Huffington Post

His handwritten directions on a brochure found in the Rogers vehicle, and a description of his boat written by Jo Rogers on the brochure, were the primary clues that led to his being named a suspect.

Wikipedia

The aim of graph theoretical analysis of signaling networks is to provide primary clues for a better understanding of the signal transduction process [ 51].

BMC Systems Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "primary clue", ensure that it genuinely represents the most important piece of information, not just an early or obvious one. Refine your analysis to confirm its pivotal role.

Common error

Avoid labeling something as the "primary clue" prematurely. Ensure it truly holds the key to solving the problem or understanding the situation before assigning such significance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primary clue" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the most important piece of information or evidence in a particular context, as exemplified by Ludwig's provided examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "primary clue" is a grammatically correct and usable noun phrase that identifies the most important piece of information in a given context. While relatively rare, according to Ludwig, it appears in diverse sources, including science, news media, and wiki articles. The phrase carries a neutral tone, making it suitable for various communication styles. When using "primary clue", ensure it accurately reflects the most significant piece of evidence. Alternatives like "key piece of evidence" or "main indication" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

key piece of evidence

Focuses on the evidentiary aspect, emphasizing importance in proving something.

main indication

Highlights the role of the clue as a sign or signal.

leading lead

Reiterates the clue's directive function in an investigation or search.

central piece of information

Emphasizes the informational value and its centrality to understanding.

principal hint

Highlights the clue's suggestive nature and its primary importance.

essential element

Focuses on the clue's critical role as a necessary component.

chief indicator

Stresses the clue's significance as a top-level sign.

most important sign

Highlights the relative importance of the clue in a series of signals.

major breakthrough

Focuses on a critical discovery that enables progress.

vital discovery

Underlines the crucial nature of a new finding.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "primary clue" in a sentence?

Use "primary clue" to emphasize the most significant piece of information that leads to a solution or understanding. For instance, "The detective found a "primary clue" at the crime scene that helped identify the suspect".

What are some alternatives to using "primary clue" in my writing?

Consider using alternatives like "key piece of evidence", "main indication", or "leading lead" to convey a similar meaning, depending on the context. Each alternative highlights a slightly different aspect of the clue's role.

Is it always necessary to identify a "primary clue" in an analysis?

No, not always. If multiple clues contribute equally to solving a problem, focusing solely on one as the "primary clue" might be misleading. In such cases, it's better to discuss the collective importance of several clues.

What distinguishes a "primary clue" from a secondary or minor one?

The "primary clue" is the single most important piece of information that directly contributes to the resolution or understanding of a situation. Secondary clues offer supporting details or context, but the primary clue is indispensable.