principal operation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "principal operation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the main or primary function of a system, process, or organization. Example: "The principal operation of the machine is to sort items based on size and weight."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

This course will center on interpretation as an activity and as the principal operation though which culturally sited meaning is created and analyzed.

Columbia University

Prime movers such as gas turbine, steam turbine, micro turbine, reciprocate engine and fuel cell are compared in terms of size (kW), efficiency and principal operation.

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews

His list includes two Big Board companies - the Alaska Air Group, the holding company for Alaska Airlines, and PSA Inc., a holding company whose principal operation is Pacific Southwest Airlines.

The New York Times

Because the principal operation to which harbour works are dedicated is transfer of goods from one transportation form to another (e.g., from ships to trucks), it follows that docks, wharves, and quays are the most important assets of a port.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Intersection is the principal operation, but it is argued that the Bounded Difference is the intersection operation for which the results make sense for determining loss and gain of a cover type.

Ecological Informatics

The British, nevertheless, reserved objective doubts, and at subsequent Anglo-American conferences in Washington in June, in London in July they first quashed all thought of Sledgehammer and then succeeded in persuading the Americans to agree to a North African landing as the principal operation of 1942.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

It made $686 million last year from its commodities trading principal operations.

The New York Times

The principal operations employed in a municipal water-purification plant are sedimentation, filtration, and chlorination.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By the time the 24-volume 14th edition appeared in 1929, the principal operations of the company had moved to the United States.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The boss of Lenovo, a computer firm, lives in Singapore, for instance, but its principal operations are in China and America.Some think the status and power of headquarters are waning as a result.

The Economist

His complaints — and his troubles — did not begin with Colgan's handling of the Dash 8. Earlier, he had a bigger job supervising Colgan, as the principal operations inspector.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a system or organization, clearly define its "principal operation" early on to provide context for subsequent details.

Common error

Avoid using overly technical jargon when describing the "principal operation" of something; aim for clarity so a general audience can understand the core function.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "principal operation" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the primary activity or function of a subject, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "principal operation" is a grammatically correct and functionally versatile term used to denote the main or primary function of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. While alternatives like "main operation" or "primary function" exist, "principal operation" maintains a level of formality suitable for technical and business writing. Remember to prioritize clarity when describing a "principal operation" to ensure broad understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main operation

Replaces "principal" with "main", indicating the most important function.

primary mode of operation

Adds specificity by including "mode of operation", clarifying how something works.

primary function

Substitutes "operation" with "function", focusing on the main purpose.

fundamental process

Similar to "key process" but with slightly different emphasis on basic nature.

key process

Uses "process" instead of "operation", emphasizing a series of actions.

core activity

Replaces both words to highlight the fundamental undertaking.

major undertaking

Replaces "operation" with a term that suggests a significant project or effort.

chief task

Highlights the most important duty or responsibility.

essential procedure

Emphasizes the necessary steps or methods involved.

central mechanism

Focuses on the system or process at the heart of an activity.

FAQs

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

You can use "principal operation" to describe the primary function of something, like, "The "principal operation" of a power plant is generating electricity".

What is another way to say "principal operation"?

Alternatives to "principal operation" include "main operation", "primary function", or "key process".

What's the difference between "principal operation" and "core activity"?

"Principal operation" refers to the main function or process, while "core activity" highlights a fundamental undertaking. The choice depends on whether you're emphasizing function or activity.

Is it correct to use "principal operation" in formal writing?

Yes, "principal operation" is suitable for formal writing, especially in technical or business contexts. It clearly conveys the primary function or activity.