primary ones

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "primary ones" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the main or most important items in a particular context. Example: "In our analysis, we identified the primary ones that significantly impact the outcome of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The top council of regulators, the Financial Stability Oversight Council, said last fall that the S.E.C. should consider proposals that go further than the primary ones put forward on Wednesday, like a floating share value for all money market funds.

The New York Times

Thad's certainly one of the primary ones," Groce said.

The New York Times

"Defensive ends and linemen have been the primary ones to generate big salaries on defense.

The New York Times - Sports

Information theory is used to characterize the achievable rates in a cognitive radio network under different assumptions on how the secondary systems interfere with the primary ones.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

While her parents apparently spoke several languages, the primary ones were English and Ladino — not English and standard Spanish.

The New York Times

The primary ones pertain to the patient recording of the environment and create an ethical content of the kind often found in Robert Adams's landscape photographs.

The New York Times - Arts

Moreover, the senses elicited are largely hearing and sight, both of which do play a role in wine appreciation, but not primary ones.

The New York Times - Arts

The overwhelming number of stock options go to top executives, who are the primary ones likely to be affected by any legislation, according to researchers, including those whose work corporate lobbyists have cited.

The New York Times

Salvador already has two primary ones: the long-established circuit along the downtown streets of Campo Grande, and a newer and now more prestigious route along the beachfront boulevard, from Barra to Ondina beaches.

The New York Times - Arts

Secondary antioxidant enzymes assist the primary ones.

International Aquatic Research

Children chronic headaches are frequently primary ones, above all migraine.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "primary ones", ensure the context clearly defines what the 'secondary' or other related elements are to provide a complete picture.

Common error

Avoid using "primary ones" without first establishing a clear basis for comparison. Readers need to understand what constitutes the 'secondary' or less important elements for the phrase to be meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primary ones" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It refers to the main or most important items within a specified group. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is both correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

38%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "primary ones" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote the most important items within a given context. Ludwig confirms its validity and usability. It appears across various domains, especially in scientific and news-related content. When employing this phrase, ensure there is a clear understanding of what constitutes the 'secondary' or less important elements to provide a complete and meaningful picture.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main ones

Emphasizes centrality or importance, slightly more direct.

principal ones

Highlights the foremost or leading aspects.

key ones

Stresses significance and influence.

chief ones

Focuses on the most prominent or dominant.

foremost ones

Highlights being at the front or in the leading position.

leading ones

Highlights guidance and direction.

essential ones

Focuses on necessity and indispensability.

critical ones

Emphasizes crucial importance and potential impact.

vital ones

Stresses life-sustaining or fundamentally important nature.

paramount ones

Indicates supreme importance or dominance.

FAQs

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

You can use "primary ones" to refer to the most important items in a group. For example, "Among the many factors, these are the "main ones" to consider."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "primary ones"?

Alternatives include "key ones", "main ones", or "principal ones". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a more formal way to say "primary ones"?

Yes, "principal ones" or "foremost ones" can lend a more formal tone compared to "primary ones".

What is the difference between "primary ones" and "secondary ones"?

"Primary ones" refers to the most important or main items, while "secondary ones" refers to those that are less important or have a supporting role. It's a distinction of importance and function.