the main thrust of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the main thrust of" is a common and correct construction in written English.
It is used to refer to the essential or central point or concept of something. It is often used in academic or technical writing to summarize the key idea or argument being discussed. Example: The main thrust of the research paper was to examine the impact of climate change on coastal communities.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That said, the main thrust of the book holds true.

The Guardian - Books

The government endorses the main thrust of the report.

The Guardian

The main thrust of our discussion was the economy.

The Guardian

The main thrust of the document, however, is twofold.

The New Yorker

The main thrust of the report is two-fold.

Independent

But the main thrust of his case concerns absentee ballots.

The Economist

But the main thrust of the plan is digital.

The New York Times

The main thrust of this paper concerns sensitivities.

Acta Materialia

The main thrust of his NSF supported research is in the area of quantification and gradability.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The conclusion of matter is that the main thrust of Ikeda and Jefferys's article is flawed.

University of California, Berkeley

But let me get back to the main thrust of your question.

MIT Technology Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the main thrust of" when you want to clearly indicate the most important aspect or driving force behind an idea, argument, or project. It helps to streamline communication and ensure clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "the main thrust of" when a gentler, less forceful term would be more appropriate. While accurate, 'thrust' can sometimes imply aggression or undue forcefulness where a more neutral term like 'focus' or 'essence' would better serve your intent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the main thrust of" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject complement or object of a preposition. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its role in identifying the central point or driving force behind a subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Academia

20%

Science

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the main thrust of" is a frequently used noun phrase that serves to highlight the central point or driving force of an argument, plan, or discussion. Ludwig AI's analysis and the provided examples confirm its widespread use across various domains, particularly in news, academia, and science. While grammatically sound, it's important to consider the context and ensure that the level of formality matches the intended audience. Alternatives like "the central idea of" or "the primary focus of" can provide a slightly different nuance depending on the specific message you want to convey. Overall, mastering the use of "the main thrust of" ensures clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the central idea of

Emphasizes the core concept, shifting from 'thrust' to 'idea'.

the primary focus of

Replaces 'thrust' with 'focus', highlighting the main area of attention.

the key point of

Focuses on the most important aspect or argument.

the core of

Highlights the essence or heart of the matter, simplifying the expression.

the essence of

Emphasizes the fundamental nature or quality.

the principal aim of

Replaces 'thrust' with 'aim', stressing the main goal or objective.

the fundamental principle of

Stresses the underlying rule or belief.

the underlying theme of

Focuses on the recurring idea or message.

the gist of

A more informal way to refer to the main point or essence.

the heart of the matter

An idiomatic expression indicating the central and most important aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "the main thrust of" in a sentence?

You can use "the main thrust of" to introduce the most important point or driving force behind something. For example, "The main thrust of the argument is that increased funding is needed".

What is a good alternative to "the main thrust of"?

Alternatives to "the main thrust of" include "the central idea of", "the primary focus of", or "the key point of". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "the main thrust of" formal or informal?

"The main thrust of" is generally considered neutral to formal. It is suitable for academic, professional, and journalistic contexts, but might be too formal for casual conversation.

What's the difference between "the main thrust of" and "the main idea of"?

While similar, "the main thrust of" implies a driving force or direction, whereas "the main idea of" simply refers to the central concept. "The main thrust of" might be used when discussing strategies or arguments, while "the main idea of" is suitable for summarizing content.