principal foe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "principal foe" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the main enemy or adversary in a particular context, such as in literature, politics, or personal conflicts. Example: "In the story, the hero must confront his principal foe in a final battle to save the kingdom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

Redlener's principal foe isn't so much extremism, or disaster itself, as it is commonplace complacency and avoidance.

The New Yorker

There is a slight geographical problem, however: the pipeline would have to go through Pakistan, giving India's principal foe a choke-hold on its energy supplies.

The Economist

But some regional parties in the United Front, notably the Telegu Desam Party, with 12 seats, regard Congress as their principal foe in state elections.

The Economist

Throug a friend, the Washington public relations executive John Hoving, he got a copy to the drug industry's principal foe in the Senate, the Wisconsin Democrat Gaylord Nelson.

The New York Times - Health

It differs starkly in this regard from its principal foe, the Labor party, prone to a fault to navel gaze, over-analyse and second guess itself.

The Guardian - Opinion

He spoke at a time when the United States is shifting its focus in the region toward India, in part to counterbalance China's rise but also because of Washington's increasingly problematic relationship with Pakistan, India's principal foe.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

His principal foes are his mother-in-law, Mrs Tulsi, and her brother-in-law, Seth.

The Guardian - Books

The Bahmanī sultanate's principal foes in its efforts to extend itself securely over the Deccan plateau were the Hindu rulers of Vijayanagar, Telingana, and Orissa and the Muslim rulers of Khandesh, Malwa, and Gujarat.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A major concern of Erdogan's government is that military action against Islamic militants in Syria could bolster two of its principal foes: Assad and the PKK, designated a terrorist group by Ankara and Washington.

Los Angeles Times

The house is now headquarters of the Islamic Supreme Council of Iraq, a Shiite Islamist party that was one of Mr. Hussein's principal internal foes and is now a significant force in the country's Shiite-led government.

The New York Times

In most novels and depictions of the vampire, the stake remains the principal means for disposing of your vampire foe but it's not the only method.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "principal foe", ensure it accurately reflects the primary or most significant adversary in the given context. Avoid using it for minor or insignificant opponents.

Common error

A common mistake is using "principal foe" when a simpler term like "opponent" or "rival" would suffice. Save "principal foe" for situations where the opposition is truly the most significant and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "principal foe" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as a compound noun that identifies the primary adversary. The adjective "principal" modifies the noun "foe", specifying the significance or importance of the enemy. Ludwig's examples showcase this phrase in varied contexts, from political opponents to fictional villains.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "principal foe" denotes the main enemy or adversary. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, even though it's not very common. The phrase appears primarily in news and media contexts. When writing, reserve "principal foe" for situations where the adversary is truly the most significant. Related phrases include "chief adversary" and "main enemy". While "principal foe" is neutral in tone, ensure it fits the overall formality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chief adversary

Replaces "principal" with "chief", emphasizing the primary nature of the opponent. It carries a slightly more formal tone.

foremost adversary

Replaces "principal" with "foremost", which is a more formal and emphatic synonym.

main enemy

Substitutes "foe" with "enemy", creating a more direct and commonly understood term, useful in simpler contexts.

primary antagonist

Uses "antagonist" instead of "foe", more suited for narrative or fictional contexts, referring to the character opposing the protagonist.

leading opponent

Replaces "foe" with "opponent", and "principal" with "leading", suitable in political or competitive scenarios.

key rival

Employs "rival" for "foe", appropriate in business or sports, highlighting the competitive aspect of the relationship.

biggest challenger

Uses "challenger" instead of "foe", implying a sense of competition and active opposition.

arch-nemesis

This alternative is more dramatic, often used in fictional contexts to describe a long-standing and intense rivalry.

greatest threat

Shifts the focus from direct opposition to the danger posed by the adversary. Emphasizes the potential harm from the foe.

most significant competitor

This phrase is more appropriate in business or economic contexts and emphasizes the competitive nature of the relationship.

FAQs

What does "principal foe" mean?

The phrase "principal foe" refers to the main or most significant enemy or adversary. It denotes the primary opponent one is facing in a conflict or competition.

What are some alternatives to "principal foe"?

You can use alternatives like "chief adversary", "main enemy", or "leading opponent" depending on the context.

Is "principal foe" formal or informal?

The phrase "principal foe" is relatively neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it leans slightly towards the formal side. However, consider your audience and context, in any situation, be sure that the term is appropriate.

How can I use "principal foe" in a sentence?

Here's an example: "In the political arena, Senator X became the president's "principal foe", consistently opposing the president's policy initiatives."