principal thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "principal thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the most important or primary aspect of a situation or concept. Example: "In any business, the principal thing to focus on is customer satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

But the rhetoric is the principal thing.

The New Yorker

"The eye is the principal thing for everyone," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

"That was the principal thing I did as a child," she said.

The New York Times

"The principal thing, though, is that I didn't break anything before the Olympics".

The New York Times - Sports

But as a Holley resident once told a reporter, at A.G. Holley, "the principal thing is to get well and get out of here".

The New York Times - Health

And the principal thing I learned was how to make them feel at ease around me. Except, of course, on those occasions when one can't.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

"This is one of the principal things we can do to help people keep the first transplant they get," said John Davis, chief executive of the National Kidney Foundation.

The New York Times - Health

I mean, what is it, and is that one of the principal things driving the future usage of the Internet?

TechCrunch

The phylogenetic analysis is noteworthy for two principal things; topology and branch lengths.

BMC Evolutionary Biology

April Bloomfield, the chef and a principal owner, favors smoked things, cured things, rich things and salty things.

The New York Times - Food

He seemed to be suddenly upstaging his "principal," a ticklish thing for a politician's bodyguard.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "principal thing", ensure that the context clearly defines what is being prioritized or considered most important. This enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid confusing "principal thing" (meaning main or most important) with "principle", which refers to a fundamental truth or proposition. Ensure you're using the correct spelling based on your intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "principal thing" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI examples show, it identifies the most important aspect or element in a given situation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "principal thing" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to emphasize the most important aspect or element of something. Ludwig AI shows its prevalence across various contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedic sources. When using the phrase, ensure clarity in defining what is being prioritized. Be mindful of potential spelling confusion with "principle". Alternatives like "main aspect" or "primary concern" can be used depending on the specific context. According to Ludwig, its frequent use makes it versatile across different registers, ensuring effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main aspect

Focuses on a particular part or feature considered most important.

primary concern

Highlights the foremost issue or worry.

key element

Emphasizes a crucial component or part.

central aspect

Indicates the core or most vital feature.

most important thing

Directly states the highest priority item.

chief element

Highlights the leading or dominant part.

critical factor

Stresses the decisive or essential component.

essential component

Underscores the necessity and importance of a part.

fundamental aspect

Indicates a basic or underlying feature.

overriding factor

Focuses on the element that takes precedence over others.

FAQs

What does "principal thing" mean?

The phrase "principal thing" refers to the most important or primary aspect of something.

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

You can use it to highlight the main focus or priority. For example: "The "principal thing" is to ensure customer satisfaction."

What are some alternatives to "principal thing"?

Alternatives include "main aspect", "primary concern", or "key element" depending on the context.

Is "principal thing" formal or informal?

The phrase "principal thing" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "primary consideration" or "key objective".