primary component

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "primary component" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the main or most important part of something, often in technical or analytical contexts. Example: "The primary component of the software is its user interface, which greatly enhances user experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But that benefit could be offset by leaks of methane, the primary component of natural gas.

MIT Technology Review

Methane is the primary component of natural gas and a potent climate pollutant.

Huffington Post

flagellin -- protein which is the primary component of prokaryotic flagella.

University of California, Berkeley

Collagen is a primary component of mammalian hair.

University of California, Berkeley

In Britain, import taxes are based on alcohol content, absinthe's primary component.

The New York Times - Food

More heat speeds the chemical reactions that create ozone, the primary component of smog.

The New York Times - Science

Plutonium is highly toxic and is the primary component of most nuclear bombs.

The Guardian

But only one of those problems was the primary component of Trump's campaign for president.

The Washington Post

G-Lab strongly emphasizes concrete "leave-behinds" as a primary component of the teams' project deliverables.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Meibum is the primary component of the tear film lipid layer.

Stanford University

Meibomian lipids are the primary component of the lipid layer of the tear film.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "primary component", ensure the context clearly establishes what the larger system or entity is to which the component belongs. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "primary component" when a simpler word like "part" or "element" suffices. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily technical or formal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primary component" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the most important or fundamental element of something. Ludwig confirms the correctness of this usage, exemplified in sentences where it refers to key parts or ingredients.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

30%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "primary component" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that identifies the most important element of something. As confirmed by Ludwig, it serves to emphasize crucial aspects in various contexts, from scientific research to news reporting. Its usage is adaptable across different registers, although more common in scientific and news contexts. While "primary component" is a valid and useful phrase, remember that simpler alternatives may be more appropriate in less formal settings. It’s always important to be precise and conscious of audience needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main constituent

Emphasizes the compositional aspect, highlighting the most significant element within a mixture or substance.

key element

Focuses on the importance and necessity of the element within a system or process.

chief ingredient

Highlights the crucial element that something consists of, especially in a recipe or mixture.

essential part

Underscores the indispensability of the part to the whole.

fundamental aspect

Emphasizes the foundational nature of the aspect in contributing to a larger concept or entity.

core element

Suggests the central and most vital element around which other things revolve.

principal factor

Highlights the element's role as a leading cause or influence.

major constituent

Similar to main constituent, stresses the quantitative significance of the element.

dominant feature

Emphasizes that something is the most noticeable or influential aspect.

central characteristic

Highlights that something is a key attribute or quality that defines something.

FAQs

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

Use "primary component" to refer to the main or most important part of something. For example, "The "primary component of the software" is its user interface."

What are some alternatives to "primary component"?

You can use alternatives such as "main constituent", "key element", or "chief ingredient" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "primary component" over a simpler term like "part"?

"Primary component" is best used in technical or analytical contexts where precision is important. In more general contexts, "part" may be sufficient.

What's the difference between "primary component" and "principal component"?

While similar, "principal component" often refers to a specific statistical technique (Principal Component Analysis), whereas "primary component" is a more general term for the main element.