main course

Meaning

The 'main course' is the primary or most substantial dish of a meal, usually served after the appetizer (starter) and before dessert. It typically contains a protein source like meat, fish, or tofu along with side dishes.

Examples

• For my main course, I think I'll have the grilled salmon.

  For my main course, I think I'll have the grilled salmon.

• The restaurant offers a great deal where you get a free starter with any main course.

  The restaurant offers a great deal where you get a free starter with any main course.

• Are you ready to order your main course, or do you need a few more minutes?

  Are you ready to order your main course, or do you need a few more minutes?

• We had a light soup first, and then a hearty lasagna as the main course.

  We had a light soup first, and then a hearty lasagna as the main course.

• The main course was delicious, but I made sure to save some room for dessert.

  The main course was delicious, but I made sure to save some room for dessert.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I want to order a principal plate.

  ✓ I want to order a main course.

  Learners often literally translate from their native language (like 'plato principal' in Spanish or 'plat principal' in French) instead of using the natural English term 'main course'.

• ✗ What is the main meal today?

  ✓ What is the main course today?

  While 'main meal' can refer to the biggest meal of the day (like dinner), 'main course' is the specific term for the primary dish within a single meal.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I'm going to have the chicken salad as a starter, and the steak for my ___.

  💡 The primary dish of the meal.

  Show answer

  main course

• Does the ___ come with any side dishes, or do I need to order them separately?

  💡 The biggest part of your meal.

  Show answer

  main course