main
/meɪn/ (bre, ipa) · [mˈen] /meɪn/ (ame, ipa) · [mˈen] /ˈmān/ (ame, mw)
main — adjective
- mainpositive
- mainercomparative
- mainestsuperlative
1. the biggest, most powerful, or most significant in a group of similar people or
the biggest, most powerful, or most significant in a group of similar people or things.
The main road through Kabir's village was closed for a week after the heavy rain.
main road — used for the most important route
Our main reason for moving was that Yasmin found a better job in Taipei.
main reason — used for the biggest factor
The main character in the novel is a librarian who solves mysteries.
Stefan asked what the main differences were between the two smartphones.
One of the main problems with renting is that you cannot change the kitchen.
文法句型
main + noun
用法筆記
Always placed before the noun it describes. Cannot be used on its own after a linking verb ('the problem is main' ❌ — use 'the main problem is...' ✅).
常見錯誤
main — noun
- mainsingular
- mainsplural
1. a thick pipe or cable that carries water, gas, or electricity from a central sup
a thick pipe or cable that carries water, gas, or electricity from a central supply network through a neighbourhood so that individual buildings can be connected to it.
A burst water main flooded the street outside Min's apartment building last night.
burst water main — common collocation for a broken supply pipe
The gas main runs beneath the pavement and connects to each house on the block.
gas main — specific type of utility pipe
A cold snap caused a water main to burst on Elm Street, flooding the pavement and several driveways.
A construction crew accidentally broke a water main while digging for a new foundation.
The gas main for the whole apartment block runs underneath the pavement out front.
文法句型
the + main
water main
gas main
用法筆記
Often used with a preceding noun that specifies the type: water main, gas main, electricity main. 'The main' alone can refer to any of these when the context is clear.
常見錯誤
2. the collection of plumbing and electrical wiring within a property that supplies
the collection of plumbing and electrical wiring within a property that supplies water and power around the building, or that removes waste water.
Sivan turned off the water at the mains before fixing the leak in the bathroom.
at the mains — fixed phrase for the supply cut-off point
The electrician checked whether the mains could handle the new air conditioner.
the mains — refers to the household electricity supply system
The Victorian house needed a new mains connection before Yuki could install a modern combi boiler.
When the sewage mains backed up, the landlord called a plumber right away.
Romi unplugged the computer from the mains during the thunderstorm to protect it.
- supply line
American English term for the household connection
- service pipe
technical term for the individual building connection
文法句型
the mains
mains + noun
用法筆記
In British English, 'the mains' (plural) is the standard term for a building's electricity supply. 'Mains-powered' or 'mains-operated' means a device uses the household electricity supply, not a battery. In American English, 'main' (singular) or 'service line' is more common.
3. the specific junction point — usually just inside or outside a building — where
the specific junction point — usually just inside or outside a building — where an external utility pipe or cable meets the property's internal plumbing, wiring, or drainage system.
The plumber showed Chen where the main was so the new kitchen pipes could join the existing system.
where the main was — locating the junction point between external and internal systems
You need a licensed electrician to connect the solar panels at the main.
at the main — the junction point for connection
The technician checked the seal at the main before turning the gas supply back on after the leak repair.
A certified plumber can install a shut-off valve right at the main for easy access.
- junction
more general term for any joining point
- service connection
formal utility company term
文法句型
the + main
at/from the main
用法筆記
This sense is close to sense 2 but focuses on the physical connection point rather than the network of pipes. 'At the main' is a typical phrase — it means 'at the point where the external supply meets the internal system'.
4. the largest and most filling dish of a meal, usually served after a starter or a
the largest and most filling dish of a meal, usually served after a starter or appetiser and sometimes followed by dessert.
Apinya ordered grilled fish as her main and a small salad to begin with.
as her main — ordering the main course
Jack usually skips a starter and orders only the main when he eats out.
For the main, Élise prepared a vegetable curry with rice and fresh coriander.
The menu lists eight main courses, including steak, pasta, and roast chicken.
Yara found the main too large and asked the waiter for a takeaway box.
- main course
the full form; equally common
- entrée
American English term for the main dish; means starter in British English
- main dish
less common but still used
文法句型
the + main
for the main
main course
用法筆記
In restaurant contexts, 'the main' is slightly less formal than 'the main course'. 'Entrée' is used in American English for the main course but in British English 'entrée' means a starter — this can cause confusion for learners.
常見錯誤
5. a fixed phrase used to say that something is true in most ways or with few excep
a fixed phrase used to say that something is true in most ways or with few exceptions — similar to 'generally speaking' or 'for the most part'.
In the main, the students enjoyed the trip to the natural history museum.
In the main, + clause — phrase at the start of a sentence
The food at the conference was, in the main, well prepared and tasty.
was, in the main, — phrase inserted mid-sentence
Reviews of the film were positive in the main, though a few critics disagreed.
Contributions to the charity came, in the main, from local residents and a few businesses.
- generally
more common in everyday speech
- for the most part
similar formality and meaning
- by and large
similar meaning, slightly less formal
- mostly
simpler and more conversational
文法句型
in the main + clause
clause + in the main
用法筆記
This is a fixed adverbial phrase, not a literal use of 'main'. It is common in formal writing and academic texts. In everyday conversation, 'generally' or 'mostly' sounds more natural. The phrase cannot be broken up with possessive adjectives ('in my main' ❌).