main part of something

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   The largest or most important section or element of a whole thing.

   Grammar: Followed by 'of' + noun: the main part of the problem.

   Patterns

   • the main part of something
   • the main part of the day
   • form the main part of something

   The main part of the book deals with the war years.

   We spent the main part of the morning cleaning the kitchen.

   The main part of her job is answering customer emails.

2. 2phrasefixed phrase

   The biggest physical piece or section of an object.

   Grammar: Used with concrete objects: the main part of the building.

   Patterns

   • the main part of something
   • the main part of the building

   The main part of the house was built in 1890.

   The main part of the tree had to be cut down after the storm.

Common combinations

the main part of the day

I spend the main part of the day at my desk.

the main part of the problem

Money is the main part of the problem.

the main part of the story

The main part of the story happens in Paris.

form the main part of something

These two chapters form the main part of the report.

Synonyms and how they differ

major part

Very close in meaning, but 'major part' often stresses importance rather than size.

bulk

Emphasizes the largest portion by amount or volume, as in 'the bulk of the work'.

core

Refers to the central, most essential part, not simply the largest one.

Opposites

Word family

mainly adverb

Mostly; for the most part.

main adjective

Chief or most important.

Commonly confused: main part of something or mean part?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “main part of something”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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