a central problem

USAGE SUMMARY

"a central problem" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that is an important and major obstacle or issue in a particular situation. Example: "Climate change is a central problem that we must address urgently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A central problem remains.

The Guardian - Sport

This illuminates a central problem with Grisham's fiction: plot rules.

The New York Times - Books

Meanwhile, however, a central problem steadily emerges: Mr. Wheeldon has not fully engaged with Prokofiev's score.

The New York Times - Arts

A central problem of choice is what Wilson and Gilbert call "miswanting".

The New Yorker

There's also a central problem with academic staff, in terms of both quality and quantity".

The Guardian

The tangled ownership of Politika points to a central problem facing the new president.

The New York Times

Managing this new order is fast becoming a central problem of global politics.

The New York Times

It would seem there's a central problem with Judt's otherwise admirable work.

The Guardian - Opinion

A central problem is that, like "Viscera," "Euphotic" depends on overpartnering, with women being continually and meaninglessly manipulated by men.

The New York Times - Arts

Stigma remains a central problem – fear of the disease, fear of people with the disease, rejection, ostracism and discrimination.

The Guardian

White House officials have cited the lack of public trust as a central problem for the industry.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a central problem", clearly define the problem and its impact to maintain clarity and relevance in your writing. For example, instead of just stating that funding is "a central problem", specify what the lack of funding affects.

Common error

Avoid using "a central problem" without providing specific context or explanation. Ensure that the reader understands why the problem is central and what implications it has. Otherwise, your statement might come across as vague and uninformative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a central problem" functions as a noun phrase identifying a significant issue or challenge. It is used to pinpoint a key obstacle that requires attention or resolution, as shown in Ludwig's examples across various fields.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a central problem" is a commonly used phrase to identify a significant challenge or issue, particularly in academic, scientific, and news-related contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. When using the phrase, clarity and context are key to ensure the reader understands the importance and implications of the problem. Alternatives such as "a key challenge" or "a major issue" can be used to vary the language while maintaining a similar meaning. Remember to clearly define the problem and its impact for maximum clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key challenge

Focuses on the aspect of difficulty and demanding effort, instead of the problem itself.

a major issue

Replaces 'problem' with 'issue' making it sound slightly less severe.

a core difficulty

Emphasizes the inherent complexity and demanding nature of the problem.

a primary concern

Shifts the focus to something that is worrisome and needs attention.

a fundamental obstacle

Highlights the blocking aspect, emphasizing the barrier created by the problem.

a significant hurdle

Presents the problem as an obstacle that needs to be overcome to achieve something.

a critical bottleneck

Implies a point of congestion or blockage that hinders progress.

a pivotal question

Changes the focus to a query that needs resolution.

a strategic imperative

Highlights the problem as something needing urgent strategic action.

a pressing matter

Emphasizes the urgency and the need for immediate attention.

FAQs

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

You can use "a central problem" to highlight a significant challenge or issue that needs addressing. For example: "Lack of funding is "a central problem" for many research institutions."

What are some alternatives to using "a central problem"?

Alternatives include "a key challenge", "a major issue", or "a primary concern", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "central problem" or "key problem"?

Both "central problem" and "key problem" are acceptable. "Central" emphasizes the problem's importance or position, while "key" emphasizes its essential nature. The choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "a central problem" and "a common problem"?

"A central problem" refers to a main or significant issue, while "a common problem" refers to something that occurs frequently or is experienced by many. They are not interchangeable as they denote different characteristics of the problem.