the main point is

USAGE SUMMARY

"the main point is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to introduce a topic or bring emphasis to a point. For example: The main point is that corporations need to focus on environmental sustainability in order to reduce their carbon footprint.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The main point is that he's horrible.

The Guardian - Film

But the main point is the comparative aspect.

The Guardian - Music

The main point is, uBhejane hasn't got side-effects.

The Guardian

The main point is that he has the power.

The New York Times - Sports

"The main point is the children," he said.

The Guardian

"The main point is that racial justice is not a trend, it's a human right.

The Guardian

"The main point is that it was defeated," Mr. Foner said.

The New York Times - Arts

"The main point is that there is upward movement for us," Mr. Slavin said.

The New York Times

The main point is that she was talking to a mass murderer.

The New Yorker

The main point is that his play, a kaleidoscope of short scenes, is blessedly funny.

The Guardian

The main point is that they can still pounce if Brazil don't come out and play.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the main point is", ensure that the statement following it is concise and directly relevant to the overall topic. Avoid ambiguity or unnecessary jargon.

Common error

Avoid starting consecutive sentences with "the main point is", as this can make your writing repetitive and monotonous. Instead, use synonyms or rephrase your sentences to vary your language and maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the main point is" serves as a discourse marker, signaling to the audience that the speaker or writer is about to present the most important idea, argument, or conclusion. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usability in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the main point is" is a versatile phrase used to emphasize key takeaways across various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and media, it signals the most important aspect of a discussion, making it essential for clear communication. Consider varying your language to avoid overuse, and ensure the statement following the phrase is concise and relevant. Its wide acceptance and neutral register make it a valuable tool for any writer or speaker.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the key takeaway is

Replaces "point" with "takeaway", emphasizing what should be remembered or understood from the information.

the essential thing is

Substitutes "main point" with "essential thing", focusing on the fundamental necessity.

the crucial aspect is

Replaces "main point" with "crucial aspect", highlighting the importance of a specific feature.

the significant factor is

Changes "main point" to "significant factor", underlining an important element influencing a situation.

the heart of the matter is

Uses a more idiomatic expression to indicate the central issue or concern.

the bottom line is

Indicates the ultimate conclusion or summary after considering all factors.

the long and short of it is

Uses an idiomatic expression to mean a concise summary or the gist of something.

in essence

Condenses the phrase to a briefer form, focusing on the core nature of something.

fundamentally

Highlights the basic and central importance of a statement or idea.

primarily

Emphasizes what is of first importance or what comes before everything else.

FAQs

How can I use "the main point is" in a sentence?

Use "the main point is" to introduce the most important idea or conclusion in your writing or speech. For example, "The main point is that we need to reduce our carbon footprint."

What are some alternatives to "the main point is"?

You can use alternatives like "the key takeaway is", "the essential thing is", or "the crucial aspect is depending on the context".

Is it grammatically correct to use "the main point is"?

Yes, "the main point is" is grammatically correct and widely accepted in both formal and informal contexts. It is a standard way to introduce a central idea.

What's the difference between "the main point is" and "the main thing is"?

While both phrases are similar, "the main point is" focuses more on the argumentative or informational core, whereas "the main thing is" can refer more broadly to the most important aspect or action to consider.