a central concept in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a central concept in" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to highlight the importance of a concept or idea in a particular context. For example, "Love is a central concept in many cultures around the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Then comes the swerve — a central concept in Epicurean physics.

The New Yorker

The tragic flaw is a central concept in classic Greek and Shakespearian tragedies.

The Guardian - Books

Shariah (literally, "the path to the watering place") is a central concept in Islam.

The New York Times

A central concept in the Navya-Nyaya logical apparatus is that of "limiterness" (avacchedakata), which has many different uses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Hence, the universe can be described as a four-dimensional space-time continuum, a central concept in general relativity.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The British public should be the judge of whether and how its liberty should be included as a central concept in the nation's framework for security.

The Guardian - Opinion

The calls mentioned jihad — a central concept in Islam that sometimes can mean holy war — but no specific attack plans, the official said.

The New York Times

Primitive Culture also elaborated upon a theme that became a central concept in his work: the relation of primitive cultures to modern populations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Succession to property upon death of the previous owner is a central concept in nearly all property systems and falls into the category of derivative acquisition.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As a central concept in the study of societies, states, and organizations, authority has drawn the attention of several very different fields of study.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A central concept in his work is what he calls the "PixCell," a portmanteau word that combines the idea of a cell with that of a pixel, the smallest unit of a digital image.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When introducing "a central concept in" your writing, provide a clear and concise definition to ensure your audience understands its importance and context.

Common error

Avoid labeling a concept as "a central concept in" a field without providing sufficient evidence or explanation. Ensure it genuinely holds a significant and widely recognized position within the subject matter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a central concept in" functions as a noun phrase modifier, introducing a core idea or principle that is essential to a particular field or area of study. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively highlights the significance of a concept. Examples in Ludwig showcase its use across diverse fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

24%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a central concept in" is a powerful tool for emphasizing the fundamental nature of an idea within a specific field. As Ludwig AI's analysis and the numerous examples demonstrate, it's widely used in academic, scientific, and journalistic contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure the concept genuinely holds a central position. Alternative phrases like "a key idea in" or "a fundamental principle of" can provide nuanced variations while maintaining clarity. Be mindful of overstating the centrality of a concept without proper justification. Its prevalence across diverse sources underscores its importance in effective communication. Ultimately, understanding and appropriately using "a central concept in" enhances the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key idea in

Replaces "concept" with "idea", emphasizing the importance of the thought.

a fundamental principle of

Substitutes "concept" with "principle", highlighting a foundational rule or belief.

a core element of

Focuses on the essential component rather than the overall concept.

an integral aspect of

Highlights the necessity and embedded nature of the concept.

a basic tenet of

Emphasizes the doctrine or belief system associated with the concept.

a cornerstone of

Implies that the concept is essential for the stability or success of something.

a primary focus in

Shifts the emphasis to the main area of attention or interest.

a critical component of

Stresses the importance of the concept as a part of a larger whole.

a significant notion in

Replaces "concept" with "notion", softening the formality slightly.

a prevailing theme in

Focuses on a recurring idea or motif rather than a specific concept.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a central concept in" in a sentence?

Use "a central concept in" to introduce a fundamental idea within a specific field or theory. For example, "Self-efficacy is "a central concept in" social cognitive theory."

What are some alternatives to saying "a central concept in"?

You can use alternatives such as "a key idea in", "a fundamental principle of", or "a core element of" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "a central concept in" in formal writing?

Yes, "a central concept in" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in academic and professional contexts where precise language is essential. Its usage is supported by examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica.

How does "a central concept in" differ from "an important concept in"?

"A central concept in" implies that the concept is fundamental and essential to the understanding of a subject, whereas "an important concept in" simply indicates that the concept is significant but not necessarily foundational. The nuance lies in the degree of necessity and influence within the field.