What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
major
Example
I'm majoring in biology at university. [majoring: verb]
Example
The company's major source of income comes from exports. [major: adjective]
Example
He was promoted to the rank of major after serving for ten years. [major: noun]
main
Example
The main reason for the delay was traffic. [main: adjective]
Example
The main character in the story is a detective. [main: adjective]
Example
The main course for dinner is steak. [main: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Main is more commonly used than major in everyday language. Main is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while major is more specific to academic or military contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between major and main?
Major can have a more formal or serious connotation, while main can have a more casual or everyday connotation. However, both words can be used in formal or informal contexts depending on the situation.
