a central concept of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a central concept of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the main idea or principle that is fundamental to a particular subject or theory. Example: "In the study of psychology, a central concept of cognitive behavioral therapy is the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

A number of mystics in the early generations had concentrated their efforts upon tawakkul, absolute trust in God, which became a central concept of Sufism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

To the Editor: A central concept of Alcoholics Anonymous is that the only thing that can keep a drunk sober is telling his or her story to another drunk.

The New York Times

In the first one and a half millennia of the Christian church, however, the idea of deification of partaking in God's being was a central concept of Christian anthropology.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A central concept of "Men in Dark Times" (a collection of biographical sketches initially published in 1968) as well as of "The Human Condition" (first published in 1958), the world (or lack of one) gives "Rahel Varnhagen: The Life of a Jewess" a proper home in Arendt's oeuvre.

The New Yorker

Anticipation is therefore a central concept of risk (Anderson 2010; Hutter 2010).

International Journal of Disaster Risk Science

A number of authors actually saw this as resulting from the lack of a terminological consensus: "The image of the future, of course, is a central concept of futures studies.

European Journal of Futures Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

The plastic behavior of silicate glasses has emerged as a central concept for the understanding of glass strength.

Acta Materialia

Self-efficacy is a central concept to the development of students' academic motivation [6, 10].

Fields Mathematics Education Journal

Their model has, as a central concept, that of synaptic depression, the typical reduction in the activity of synapses after repetitive firing [see, for example, Varela et al. (1999)].

Brain

Since rationality is a central concept in branches of philosophy such as action theory, epistemology, ethics, and philosophy of mind, studies of rationality frequently cross the boundaries between economics and philosophy.

SEP

It must therefore constitute a central concept in theories of visuomotor feedback control.

Current Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a central concept of", ensure that the concept you are referring to is indeed fundamental and not merely a supporting detail. Clarity in establishing its centrality will enhance the impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid labeling a concept as "a central concept of" if it only applies to a limited scope or is not widely recognized as such. Overstating its importance can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a central concept of" functions as a noun phrase that introduces or identifies a fundamental idea or principle within a specific domain or field of study. As Ludwig AI explains, it indicates that the concept is essential for understanding the subject matter.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a central concept of" is a grammatically sound and valid expression used to introduce fundamental ideas across various fields. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Although moderately common, its primary usage appears in scientific and academic contexts. Related phrases like "a core principle of" and "a fundamental aspect of" provide alternative ways to convey similar meanings. When employing this phrase, ensure the concept truly holds a foundational role in the discussion to maintain credibility and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a core principle of

This alternative focuses on the foundational nature of the idea, highlighting it as a guiding rule or belief.

a fundamental aspect of

This emphasizes the idea as being an essential and integral part of something.

a key element of

This highlights the importance of the concept as a crucial component within a larger system or framework.

a primary tenet of

This alternative suggests that the concept is a doctrine or belief that is held as especially important.

a basic component of

This emphasizes that the idea is one of the building blocks of a system or understanding.

an integral part of

This emphasizes that the idea is necessary to complete the whole.

a cornerstone of

This implies the concept is an essential foundation that supports something else.

a defining characteristic of

This focuses on how the concept uniquely identifies or distinguishes something.

a significant feature of

This highlights the concept as a noteworthy aspect.

a crucial aspect of

This emphasizes the critical importance of the idea in relation to something else.

FAQs

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

Use "a central concept of" to introduce a fundamental idea or principle that is essential to understanding a particular subject or theory. For example, "A central concept of democracy is the rule of law."

What phrases are similar to "a central concept of"?

You can use alternatives like "a core principle of", "a fundamental aspect of", or "a key element of" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "a central concept of" in academic writing?

It is appropriate to use "a central concept of" when you need to emphasize the fundamental importance of a concept in the context of your research or analysis. Use it to highlight ideas that are foundational to the field you are discussing.

What's the difference between "a central concept of" and "an important concept of"?

"A central concept of" implies that the concept is absolutely essential and foundational, whereas "an important concept of" suggests that the concept is significant but not necessarily indispensable.