the primary thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the primary thing" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the most important aspect or element of a discussion or situation. Example: "When considering the project's success, the primary thing to focus on is effective communication among team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The primary thing is social, he says.

The Guardian

Maybe that is the primary thing in the end.

The New Yorker

Religious hate, religious motivation, was the primary thing.

The New York Times - Magazine

"But the primary thing now is winning championships.

The New York Times - Sports

"Our suspicion is that the primary thing driving the decline in the south is habitat loss".

The Guardian

"The primary thing is winning," Davis testified at trial during one of his lawsuits.

The New York Times - Sports

The primary thing they wanted to be was a superstar or a Wag.

The Guardian - Tech

"The primary thing that people are typically looking for is additional hanging space," she said.

The New York Times

Humanity, he wants to say, is the primary thing in Art.

Independent

"The art of talking to a partner is the primary thing.

The New York Times - Health

"I want legal quality to be the primary thing people become judges on," Mr. Fleishman said, "not family connections".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the primary thing", ensure that the context clearly establishes what other secondary or less important things might exist for comparison, thus making the primary element stand out more effectively.

Common error

Avoid using "the primary thing" repeatedly within a single paragraph or short piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "the main point", "the key aspect", or rephrasing to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the primary thing" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as the subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies what is considered most important or essential within a given context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the primary thing" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to emphasize the most important element in a given situation. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's important to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse. Alternatives such as "the most important thing" or "the main thing" can offer variety. Keep in mind that effective writing involves selecting the most impactful language, and "the primary thing" serves precisely that purpose when used thoughtfully.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the most important thing

Replaces "primary" with "most important", directly emphasizing the highest level of significance.

the main thing

Uses "main" as a synonym for "primary", indicating the central or principal aspect.

the key thing

Substitutes "primary" with "key", highlighting the essential or crucial element.

the principal thing

Employs "principal" as a formal synonym for "primary", suggesting the leading or foremost aspect.

the central aspect

Rephrases the entire phrase to focus on the "central aspect", emphasizing the core element.

the crucial point

Changes the phrase to focus on a "crucial point", highlighting the critical element to consider.

the essential element

Replaces the phrase with a focus on the "essential element", stressing the indispensable component.

the most significant aspect

Replaces "primary" with "most significant", emphasizing notable importance.

the fundamental aspect

Uses "fundamental" to underscore the basic, underlying importance.

the overriding concern

Shifts the focus to the "overriding concern", indicating the most dominant issue.

FAQs

What is an alternative to saying "the primary thing"?

You can use alternatives like "the most important thing", "the main thing", or "the key thing" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How do I use "the primary thing" in a sentence?

Use "the primary thing" to highlight the most important aspect or element in a discussion or situation. For example, "The primary thing to consider is whether we have enough resources."

Is it better to say "the primary thing" or "the most important thing"?

Both "the primary thing" and "the most important thing" are correct and usable. The choice depends on the context and desired emphasis. "Primary" suggests foundational importance, while "most important" highlights the highest level of significance.

What's the difference between "the primary thing" and "the secondary thing"?

"The primary thing" refers to the most important or fundamental aspect, while "the secondary thing" refers to something that is important but less so than the primary thing. Consider an example, "The primary thing is to secure funding; the secondary thing is to hire staff."