primary vs main

Both 'primary' and 'main' are correct and commonly used in English. They can be used interchangeably in many contexts, but there are subtle differences in meaning that might make one more suitable than the other depending on the specific context.

Last updated: April 03, 2024 • 246 views

The word 'primary' is correct and commonly used in English. It is often used to refer to something that is of greatest importance or significance.

"primary"

The term 'primary' is used to describe something that is first in order, importance, or value. It can be used to indicate the most important or fundamental aspect of something.

Examples:

The primary goal of the project is to increase sales.
The primary reason for his success is his dedication to his work.

Show examples from the web [+]

But my primary concern is public safety.
Censorship isn't their primary goal in life.
His omnicorder, primary communications device.
This island has become a primary testiralište Altracorpa.
Our primary and middle schools share a building.
Gender disparities in primary and secondary education must be eliminated' ...
Our primary suspect is Sergeant James Doakes.
His primary business is illegal liquor.
My primary activity these days is apologising to people.
The primary building material for the theatre was opus reticulatum.
The primary method of prevention for pertussis is vaccination.
Borodin's primary occupation was chemistry, including research and teaching.
Cost is still the consumer's primary buying decision.
The primary tool for small scale cupellation was the cupel.
Its primary role was submarine hunting.
Its primary advantage is extending storage life.
Its primary concert venue is Music Hall.
Rescuing her is our primary objective.
The second box shows think-cell's primary font color.
Money shouldn't be your primary concern, Ray.

Alternatives:

main
principal
chief
foremost
leading

The word 'main' is correct and commonly used in English. It is often used to refer to something that is the most significant or important part of a group or system.

"main"

The term 'main' is used to describe something that is chief in size, extent, or importance. It can be used to indicate the primary or most important element of something.

Examples:

The main reason for the delay was bad weather.
The main character in the story is a brave young girl.

Show examples from the web [+]

He's already arrested his main opponent.
The main culprit: habitat loss.
Her main job was in casting.
Charlie team has entered main office.
And the main character gets her wish.
Diamonds are Ukata's main export.
San Corp Industries is my main one.
Grant me access to the main server room.
Philly main line, old money, banking industry.
Debt was the main outcome of our adventure.
Distinctive red hoodie heading north on the main entrance.
All incoming programs please proceed to main elevator for service assignments.
The main reactor and hyperdrive generator are down.
This island became the main Altracorp area tests.
Another fundamental thing we learned was about liking your main character.
Your Van severed their main power line.
His temper was probably my main concern.
Alex Lowe became my main climbing partner.
Its main objective was construction of transport communications independent of Austria.
Agriculture and fabric trade was their main occupation until Sovietization.

Alternatives:

primary
principal
chief
foremost
leading

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primary vs main

"primary"

"main"

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