primary sin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "primary sin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in discussions about moral or ethical concepts, particularly in religious or philosophical contexts. Example: "In many religious teachings, pride is often considered the primary sin that leads to other transgressions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

This is his primary sin.

The New York Times

The primary sin of "Django Unchained" is not the desire to create an alternative history.

The New Yorker

His primary sin: failing to apologize to Darryl Stingley for the vicious hit that paralyzed him.

The New York Times - Sports

Nietzsche does not claim that the primary sin of religion is that it has an imaginary object at its centre.

The Guardian - Opinion

As a Christian, I can't help but notice that the diverse books of the Bible seem to beat us over the head from all angles with a simple message -- a primary sin in the eyes of God is social inequity and injustice.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Every Sunday he's there with the family, followed by confession — his primary sins masturbation and sex out of wedlock.

Los Angeles Times

Although Mr. Birt's dour and aloof personality did not help things, his principal sin was to establish good management as the BBC's primary objective.

The New York Times - Arts

The deer mouse is of particular interest because it is the primary host of Sin Nombre virus, the etiologic agent of hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome in North America (13 ).

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Thus, peroxynitrite-mediated Compound II formation (and not O2−-mediated Compound III formation) is the primary cause for SIN-1-induced inhibition of MPO activity.

Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics

In addition, while we recite our sins, the primary message of Yom Kippur is one of hope: the God who hears our prayers is a God of compassion, and if we mend our ways, God will have mercy on us and forgive us.

Huffington Post

After transfer, the PVDF membranes were washed with 0.1% Tween 20 in TBS, and incubated with the primary antibody (rabbit anti-SIN polyclonal antibody, 1 : 500; Laminin-R (Santa Cruz, Heidelberg, Germany) 1 : 5000 overnight at 4°C for immunoblotting.

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing ethics or morality, use "primary sin" to denote the most fundamental transgression that underlies other wrongdoings. This helps establish a clear hierarchy of sins or faults.

Common error

Avoid using "primary sin" casually in everyday conversation or writing unrelated to religion or ethics. It can sound overly dramatic or preachy. Instead, opt for terms like "main problem" or "core issue" in secular contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primary sin" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the most fundamental or significant transgression within a moral or ethical framework. Ludwig AI confirms this with examples related to religion and ethics.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Wiki

4%

Unknown

9%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "primary sin" refers to the most fundamental transgression or moral failing, often discussed in religious, ethical, and philosophical contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable. While "primary sin" is most commonly found in news and media sources, it also appears in scientific and encyclopedic contexts. When using the phrase, consider its potentially strong religious connotations and opt for alternatives like "fundamental flaw" or "root cause" in more secular settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cardinal sin

Refers to the most serious or unforgivable sin, emphasizing severity.

central transgression

Emphasizes a key or pivotal act of wrongdoing.

fundamental flaw

Highlights a basic or essential defect in something's nature or design.

chief failing

Identifies the most significant shortcoming or weakness.

principal error

Focuses on the most important mistake made.

root cause

Points to the underlying reason for a problem or negative outcome.

core deficiency

Indicates a lack of essential qualities or elements.

major fault

Highlights a significant imperfection or defect.

key weakness

Identifies a particularly vulnerable or susceptible area.

overriding vice

Suggests a dominant negative trait or habit.

FAQs

What does "primary sin" mean?

The "primary sin" typically refers to the most fundamental or root sin from which other sins originate. It can vary depending on the specific religious or ethical framework.

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

You can use "primary sin" to describe the most significant transgression in a particular context. For example: "In many religious teachings, pride is often considered the "primary sin" that leads to other transgressions."

What are some alternatives to "primary sin"?

Some alternatives to "primary sin" include "cardinal sin", "fundamental flaw", or "root cause", depending on the context.

Is "primary sin" a universally accepted concept?

The concept of a "primary sin" is prevalent in many religious and philosophical systems, but its specific definition and interpretation can vary widely. Some frameworks may not emphasize a single sin as primary but rather view sin as a complex web of interconnected actions and intentions.