principal industry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "principal industry" is correct and usable in written English.
You would typically use it when referring to either the most important industry in a particular region or the main source of economic activity in a certain area. For example, "Fishing is the principal industry in this coastal town."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

The manufacture of hats was long the principal industry; today a diversified industrial economy produces electronic equipment, textiles, machinery, and hardware.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Fishing is the principal industry in Sisimiut, although the town has a growing industrial base.

Wikipedia

Agriculture remained the principal industry.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Its principal industry is textile manufacturing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Fishing is a principal industry.

Britannica

Today, tourism is the city's principal industry.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Principal industries are textiles, tourism, and industrial machinery.

Britannica

Three principal industries of Hawaii are sugar, pineapples & tourism.

The New Yorker

Principal industries now include food and confectionery and engineering.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Principal industries are business and research services, agriculture, and manufacturing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Lumbering, woodworking, and glass grinding are the principal industries.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a region's economic structure, use "principal industry" to clearly identify the sector that contributes the most to its economy.

Common error

While "principal industry" is accurate, avoid using it repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language with synonyms like "leading sector" or "key economic activity" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "principal industry" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object. It identifies the most important economic activity in a specific area. Ludwig's examples show it describing various sectors like fishing, textiles, and tourism.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

29%

News & Media

27%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

14%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "principal industry" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to denote the most important economic activity in a given area. According to Ludwig, it is observed across diverse sources, including encyclopedias, news media, and online wikis. While the phrase is considered correct, it's important to use synonyms to avoid repetition in writing. It serves the purpose of clearly identifying and emphasizing the primary economic driver of a region, contributing to a better understanding of its economic structure. Considering its widespread use and clear meaning, it's a valuable term for both general knowledge and professional communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main industry

Focuses on the importance of the industry.

leading industry

Highlights the industry's prominent position.

primary economic activity

Emphasizes the economic contribution.

dominant sector

Highlights that the industry is the dominant business sector.

key sector

Emphasizes the importance of the sector.

major industry

Focuses on the large scope of the industry.

chief industry

Highlights that the industry is the chief one.

foremost industry

Emphasizes the advanced position of the industry.

top industry

Highlights that the industry is one of the best ones.

most important industry

Focuses on the degree of the industry's importance.

FAQs

What does "principal industry" mean?

The "principal industry" refers to the main or most important industry in a specific region, area, or economy. It's the sector that typically contributes the most to the area's economic output and employment.

What can I say instead of "principal industry"?

You can use alternatives like "main industry", "leading industry", or "key sector" to convey a similar meaning.

How do I use "principal industry" in a sentence?

You can use "principal industry" in a sentence like this: "Tourism is the "principal industry" in many coastal towns." or "Agriculture was once the "principal industry" of the region."

Is it correct to say "principal industries"?

Yes, "principal industries" is the plural form and should be used when referring to multiple main industries within a region or economy.