Central issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Central issue" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the main or most important problem or topic in a discussion or argument. Example: "The central issue in the debate was whether climate change policies should prioritize economic growth or environmental protection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Again, the central issue is overcrowding.

Independent

These are not the central issue.

Independent

Sexuality is never the central issue here.

The New York Times - Arts

Neither can illuminate the central issue.

The Economist

Still, the central issue remains consent.

The New Yorker

The central issue is competitiveness.

The New York Times

The central issue of Embers is loyalty.

The Guardian - Books

But it evades the central issue.

The New York Times

Job growth has become a central issue.

The Guardian - Opinion

Flame stabilization is a central issue in propulsion applications.

Combustion and Flame

External finance is a central issue for innovative nascent ventures.

Research Policy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "central issue", ensure that it clearly identifies the most important aspect of the topic being discussed to maintain focus and clarity for the audience.

Common error

Avoid repeating "central issue" too frequently within a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "main concern" or "key question" to improve readability and prevent redundancy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "central issue" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the most important topic or problem under consideration. It serves to highlight the core element requiring attention or resolution, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "central issue" is a commonly used noun phrase that identifies the most important topic or problem being discussed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, from news and media to scientific and academic writing. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "main problem" or "key question" to maintain writing quality. When employing "central issue", ensure it accurately reflects the core of the matter to guide the audience's focus effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main problem

Focuses on the problematic aspect rather than the issue itself.

key question

Emphasizes the interrogative nature of the issue.

core concern

Highlights the aspect of worry or anxiety related to the issue.

primary focus

Shifts the emphasis to what is being concentrated on.

principal matter

Uses a more formal tone to denote the most important subject.

chief difficulty

Highlights the challenging aspect of the main problem.

critical point

Emphasizes the importance and potential consequences of the issue.

fundamental challenge

Focuses on the underlying and basic nature of the problem.

major sticking point

Indicates a point of disagreement or obstacle that is central.

overriding theme

Highlights the recurring or dominant element that defines the issue.

FAQs

What does "central issue" mean?

The "central issue" refers to the main or most important problem or topic under consideration.

How can I use "central issue" in a sentence?

You can use "central issue" in a sentence like this: "The "central issue" in the debate was climate change."

What can I say instead of "central issue"?

You can use alternatives such as "main problem", "core concern", or "key question" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "central issue" in formal writing?

Yes, "central issue" is appropriate for formal writing and can be used in academic, business, and professional contexts.