a central issue

USAGE SUMMARY

"a central issue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a main issue or topic in a larger discussion. For example, "Climate change is a central issue that needs to be addressed as soon as possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Job growth has become a central issue.

The Guardian - Opinion

Control of the Baltic Sea became a central issue.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is such a central issue for our women.

Independent

Cost is a central issue in television's new dynamic.

The New York Times - Arts

There's a central issue we still haven't really addressed.

The New Yorker

They'd scream: This was a central issue of the campaign!

The New York Times

The environment was a central issue of his campaign.

The New York Times

Plaid has made health a central issue before May's election.

The Guardian

Immigration is once again a central issue in this election.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We're not making it a central issue, it is a central issue," said Bob King, the U.A.W. vice president for organizing.

The New York Times

In 2004, Vietnam became a central issue.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a central issue", ensure the context clearly establishes why it is the main concern or topic. Providing supporting evidence strengthens your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "a central issue" when the topic is merely relevant but not fundamentally crucial. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a central issue" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject complement or object of a verb. It identifies the most important problem, topic, or point of focus in a given context, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a central issue" is a commonly used expression to highlight a key topic or problem within a discussion. As Ludwig AI explains, it's grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific domains. When incorporating this phrase into your writing, it's crucial to ensure that the context clearly supports its importance, avoiding overuse to maintain its impact. While alternatives like "a key concern" or "a primary focus" can be used for variety, "a central issue" effectively emphasizes the core subject at hand.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key concern

Emphasizes worry or anxiety about something, differing from a neutral issue.

a critical point

Highlights the decisiveness or importance of a specific moment or factor.

a primary focus

Indicates the main area of attention or effort, shifting from a general issue.

a main priority

Stresses the urgency or importance of addressing a particular issue above others.

a fundamental question

Highlights the underlying or foundational nature of an inquiry or problem.

a core element

Focuses on the essential or indispensable component of something.

a pivotal aspect

Emphasizes the turning point or crucial characteristic of something.

a significant factor

Indicates the importance or consequence of a particular element.

a major consideration

Highlights the need for careful thought and evaluation.

a vital component

Stresses the necessity or indispensability of a particular part.

FAQs

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

Use "a central issue" to highlight the most important problem or topic in a particular context. For example: "Climate change is "a central issue" for many governments today".

What can I say instead of "a central issue"?

You can use alternatives like "a key concern", "a critical point", or "a primary focus" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say "the central issue" instead of "a central issue"?

While both are grammatically correct, "the central issue" implies that there is only one main issue, whereas "a central issue" suggests it is one of several important issues.

What's the difference between "a central issue" and "a side issue"?

"A central issue" refers to the main topic of discussion, while "a side issue" refers to a related but less important point. They represent opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of relevance.