SpeakUp

Grammar fix

main purpose

most important reason

the most important reason for doing something, or the main goal of something

collocationB1common

Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • The main purpose of this meeting is to discuss our new project.daily life
  • In my opinion, the main purpose of education is to help people develop critical thinking skills.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: the main purpose of [noun/verb-ing] is (to) [verb]

WrongThe main purpose of the trip is for learning.

RightThe main purpose of the trip is to learn.

'The main purpose is TO + verb' (or 'is + noun'), not 'is for + -ing'.

Patternthe main purpose of [noun/verb-ing] is (to) [verb]

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff The principal objective of this initiative is to raise awareness.

Natural The main purpose of this is to raise awareness.

'The main purpose is' is the natural set phrase. 'Principal objective of this initiative' is bureaucratic.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • main purpose
    the main purpose isserve a purposeof the meetingdefeat the purpose

Don't confuse it

'Main purpose' is stronger than just 'purpose'—it means the most important one.

Try it in Daily Speak →