the principal thing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the principal thing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize the most important aspect or element of a situation or discussion. Example: "In any project, the principal thing to remember is to stay organized and communicate effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 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 Royal's is a more lyrical approach than that of some other companies; there is a certain finesse, a worrying about the line rather than fireworks, that is central to the personality of its dancers... (T he principal thing a ballet can achieve is poetic evocation.

The New Yorker

"I liked the assistant principal thing".

Huffington Post

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

BMC Evolutionary Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the principal thing", ensure that it is followed by a clear explanation of what that thing is and why it is so important to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "the principal thing" when you actually mean 'the principle of the thing'. 'Principal' refers to the most important element, while 'principle' refers to a fundamental truth or proposition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the principal thing" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the most important or essential element. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and serves to highlight what is of utmost significance in a given context. For example, 'But the rhetoric is the principal thing.'

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the principal thing" is a grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize the most important aspect of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage across various domains. While it can appear in both formal and informal writing, it's essential to avoid confusing it with 'principle'. Consider using alternatives like "the most important aspect" or "the key element" for variety. Remember, the primary goal is to clearly highlight what truly matters in your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the most important aspect

Focuses on importance using a more common adjective.

the key element

Highlights the elemental nature of what's most important.

the main concern

Emphasizes the aspect that causes the most worry or attention.

the central point

Indicates the core idea or argument.

the crucial factor

Stresses the decisiveness of the element.

the primary focus

Highlights what deserves the most attention.

the fundamental issue

Indicates the foundational problem or topic.

the essential component

Focuses on the necessary part for completeness.

the overriding priority

Emphasizes something that takes precedence over other things.

the heart of the matter

Uses a metaphor to describe the central issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "the principal thing" to emphasize the most important aspect of something. For instance, "The principal thing to consider when buying a house is its location".

What is a good alternative to "the principal thing"?

Alternatives to "the principal thing" include "the most important aspect", "the key element", or "the main concern".

What's the difference between "the principal thing" and "the principle of the thing"?

"The principal thing" refers to the most important element, while "the principle of the thing" refers to a fundamental truth or rule.

Is "the principal thing" formal or informal?

"The principal thing" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall tone and register of your writing.