a central focus

USAGE SUMMARY

"a central focus" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to denote an important element of a plan or idea. For example, "The central focus of our business plan is the development of innovative products and services."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They don't have a central focus, an altar.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Resolving those inconsistencies will be a central focus going forward".

The New York Times

Privacy has always been a central focus for Facebook.

The Guardian - Opinion

"There was not a central focus," Mr. Omar said.

The New York Times

Egypt was a central focus of concern at the conference.

The New York Times

He vowed to ensure a central focus on teacher quality, parental engagement and greater school autonomy.

The Guardian

Trump's baffling foreign policy is a central focus of the annual Munich Security Conference this weekend.

The New Yorker

If the genocide is now a central focus for Armenians, is this dangerous?

The Guardian

Still, Congress did not make dropouts a central focus of the law.

The New York Times

In his private and public life, faith has been a central focus for John David Ashcroft.

The New York Times

The apparent miscommunication will probably be a central focus of the commission's hearing next week.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a central focus", ensure it clearly identifies the most important element or aspect of the topic being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "a central focus" repetitively within a single piece of writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "primary concern", "key aspect", or "main priority" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a central focus" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the most important element or theme within a given context. As seen in Ludwig's examples, this phrase introduces what is the key subject of discussion, investigation, or planning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a central focus" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to emphasize the most important aspect of a topic. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It sees frequent use across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. When using "a central focus", it's important to ensure clarity and avoid overuse by incorporating synonyms like "primary concern" or "key aspect". The phrase exhibits a neutral to professional register. With its widespread application and clear communicative purpose, "a central focus" remains a valuable tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a central theme

Synonymous substitution of focus with theme.

a main priority

Replaces "focus" with "priority", highlighting something of utmost importance.

a primary concern

Replaces "focus" with "concern", shifting from attention to worry.

a crucial element

Replaces "key" with "crucial", implying something essential or vital.

a key aspect

Substitutes "focus" with "aspect", denoting a feature or element of importance.

a core element

Emphasizes the fundamental nature of the focus.

a pivotal point

Highlights the importance of the focus as a turning point or critical juncture.

a major theme

Highlights the focus as a recurring idea or subject.

a chief aim

Shifts the focus towards the intended goal or objective.

a prime objective

Similar to "chief aim" but with a slightly more formal tone.

FAQs

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

You can use "a central focus" to highlight the most important aspect of a topic. For example, "The company's central focus is customer satisfaction."

What are some alternatives to "a central focus"?

Alternatives include phrases like "a primary concern", "a key aspect", or "a main priority".

Is it redundant to say "the central focus"?

While not grammatically incorrect, "the central focus" can sometimes be redundant. It's often more concise and impactful to simply state "the central theme" or "the main point".

Which is better: "a central focus" or "the main focus"?

Both "a central focus" and "the main focus" are acceptable. The choice depends on the specific context and desired emphasis. "A central focus" might be used when introducing the concept, while "the main focus" could refer to something already established.