the main bulk

USAGE SUMMARY

"the main bulk" is correct and usable in written English.
It is most often used to refer to the most substantial portion of something. For example, "The main bulk of these regulations has been in place for decades."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But it did not slice through the main bulk of the nerve.

The New York Times

The main bulk of this work will be done at the Fine Lab and the Evolutionary Genetics Lab (VLSB).

University of California, Berkeley

Previously, it has only been possible to measure electric fields across cell membranes, not within the main bulk of cells.

MIT Technology Review

The main bulk parameters for diffusion and charge accumulation during doping were determined from fits.

Electrochimica Acta

Manchester has certainly seen some progress, including a £60m building specifically for the development of graphene, but the main bulk of expenditure continues to be poured into London.

The Guardian

Most fishes show an obvious distinction between the main bulk of white swimming muscle and a narrow strip of red muscle along the side of the body.

Britannica

Interestingly, pictures of cases with lymphovascular invasion showed that MLK4 staining was stronger in intravascular component compared to the main bulk of the tumor (Fig. 7b).

Nature

Women play an important role in the rural labour market while carrying the main bulk of reproductive work.

Women's Studies International Forum

The main bulk of the plane has still not been located, and some relatives of passengers believe their loved ones are still alive.

Independent

This suggests that the line shifts are produced more likely by the main bulk of plasma seen by BCS.

Advances in Space Research

The XRD results showed that chromium, chromium oxide and cobalt oxide are the main bulk chemical compounds in the films.

Surface and Coatings Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the main bulk" when you want to emphasize the most substantial or largest part of something, especially when contrasting it with smaller, less significant parts. For example, "The main bulk of the project's budget was allocated to research and development."

Common error

Avoid using "the main bulk" when referring to abstract concepts or non-physical entities where 'bulk' doesn't apply. Instead of saying "The main bulk of the discussion was about ethics", opt for "The majority of the discussion focused on ethics".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the main bulk" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig's examples show it describing the most substantial part of a physical or quantifiable entity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

39%

News & Media

33%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Science & Research

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the main bulk" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that describes the most substantial portion of something. According to Ludwig, it's particularly prevalent in scientific and news contexts. While alternatives like "the majority" exist, "the main bulk" specifically emphasizes size and significance. When writing, ensure the concept being described is quantifiable and consider the level of formality required for your audience. This phrase is a valuable tool for highlighting key elements in various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the majority

Indicates a larger proportion but doesn't necessarily imply the most substantial part.

the greater part

Similar in meaning, but slightly more formal.

the largest portion

More descriptive and emphasizes size.

the principal part

Highlights the importance of the portion.

the greater share

Focuses on the distribution aspect, implying a significant allocation.

the bulk

Shorter, more concise, but less emphatic than the original phrase.

the majority share

Similar to "the greater share", emphasizing allocation.

the essential part

Emphasizes the fundamental or necessary aspect of the portion.

the predominant amount

Focuses on the quantity and dominance.

the biggest chunk

Informal and emphasizes size in a less precise manner.

FAQs

How can I use "the main bulk" in a sentence?

You can use "the main bulk" to refer to the largest or most significant portion of something. For example, "The main bulk of the donations came from private individuals" or "The main bulk of the work was completed in the first week".

What are some alternatives to "the main bulk"?

Alternatives to "the main bulk" include "the majority", "the largest portion", or "the greater part", depending on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "the main bulk"?

While "bulk" alone can imply the main part, using "the main bulk" emphasizes the size and significance of that portion, so it isn't necessarily redundant, especially for clarity. However, consider if a shorter alternative like "the majority" is sufficient.

When should I avoid using "the main bulk"?

Avoid using "the main bulk" in contexts where the object being described is not physical or quantifiable. In such cases, consider using "the majority" or "the primary focus" instead.