primary thing

USAGE SUMMARY

Sentence Primary thing is a generally acceptable term in written English, and it can be used in all kinds of contexts.
For example, "The primary thing I care about in life is my family."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The primary thing is social, he says.

The Guardian

Maybe that is the primary thing in the end.

The New Yorker

Religious hate, religious motivation, was the primary thing.

The New York Times - Magazine

"But the primary thing now is winning championships.

The New York Times - Sports

"I wouldn't say Glen at the 4 is my primary thing," Van Gundy said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Our suspicion is that the primary thing driving the decline in the south is habitat loss".

The Guardian

That was my primary thing, and I developed it to an instinct".

The New York Times

"The primary thing is winning," Davis testified at trial during one of his lawsuits.

The New York Times - Sports

The primary thing they wanted to be was a superstar or a Wag.

The Guardian - Tech

"The primary thing that people are typically looking for is additional hanging space," she said.

The New York Times

Humanity, he wants to say, is the primary thing in Art.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "primary thing", ensure it clearly identifies the most important element among others to avoid ambiguity. For instance, in project management, the "primary thing" might be meeting deadlines.

Common error

Avoid using "primary thing" excessively in sentences with multiple clauses, as it can make the writing sound repetitive. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "chief priority" or "central aspect".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "primary thing" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a sentence. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in identifying the most important aspect or element in a given context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "primary thing" is a very common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to emphasize the most important aspect of a situation. According to Ludwig, it functions to direct attention to what matters most, commonly appearing in News & Media contexts. To avoid repetition, synonyms such as "chief priority" or "key element" can be used. Remember to use "primary thing" to emphasize a critical element, but avoid overuse in complex sentences. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is acceptable in written English and can be used in all kinds of contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

central aspect

Emphasizes the core element of something.

principal focus

Highlights the main area of attention or effort.

chief priority

Highlights the order of importance.

essential aspect

Focuses on the necessary or indispensable part.

key element

Focuses on importance in achieving success.

most significant factor

Emphasizes the degree of influence or importance.

foremost consideration

Emphasizes the importance of thinking about something.

main concern

Focuses on the aspect of worry or importance.

major point

Highlights a significant idea or argument.

fundamental issue

Highlights the basic or essential nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "primary thing" to emphasize the most important aspect of a situation. For example, "The "primary thing" is to ensure everyone's safety."

What are some alternatives to "primary thing"?

Alternatives include "main concern", "chief priority", or "key element", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the primary thing is"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "the "primary thing" is" followed by a verb is a common and acceptable construction.

What's the difference between "primary thing" and "main thing"?

While both phrases are similar, ""primary thing"" often implies a slightly more fundamental or essential aspect compared to "main thing", which can refer to the most obvious or immediate concern.