a central question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a central question" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a key issue or main topic that is being addressed or explored in a text or conversation. Example: "In this research paper, we will explore a central question: How does climate change impact global food security?"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But a central question remained.

The Guardian

It's a central question about performance.

The Guardian - Film

This is also a central question.

The Guardian - Books

Rudd: This is a central question in this election.

The Guardian

There's always going to be a central question too.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

[4] How names attach to things is a central question in linguistics and philosophy.

The New York Times

A central question is whether the accusations will fit the court's mandate.

The New York Times

That's such a central question: How do you tell a moving story without sentimentality?

The New Yorker

Significantly, the president emphasized that the issue of taxes "was a central question during the campaign".

The New York Times

The exact cause is a central question the multiple inquiries will tackle.

The New York Times

It seems like a central question about the experience of being alive.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a central question" to frame research inquiries, ensuring a clear focus and scope.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "a central question" to prevent redundancy; instead, vary sentence structure and use synonyms like "the key issue" or "the main focus."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a central question" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the main point of inquiry or issue under consideration. It frames the core problem to be addressed. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a central question" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to highlight the main inquiry within a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various domains, with a particularly strong presence in News & Media and Science. While synonyms like "a key question" and "a primary question" offer alternatives, awareness of overuse is crucial for stylistic variation. By effectively framing the core problem, "a central question" enhances clarity and focus in both written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a key question

Replaces "central" with "key", emphasizing the importance of the question.

the central issue

Uses "issue" instead of "question", broadening the context to a broader subject.

a primary question

Substitutes "central" with "primary", highlighting the question's fundamental nature.

a main question

Uses "main" instead of "central", focusing on the question's principal role.

a core question

Replaces "central" with "core", indicating the question's essential nature.

a pivotal question

Uses "pivotal" instead of "central", stressing the question's critical importance.

a fundamental question

Substitutes "central" with "fundamental", emphasizing the question's foundational role.

the key issue

Shifts from "question" to "issue", broadening the scope to a more general concern.

the main focus

Replaces "question" with "focus", highlighting the central point of attention.

the principal inquiry

Employs "principal inquiry", indicating a more formal and thorough investigation.

FAQs

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

You can use "a central question" to introduce the primary issue being addressed, such as, "A central question in this study is whether exercise improves cognitive function."

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

You can use alternatives like "a key question", "a primary question", or "the main focus depending on the context.

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

"A central question" specifically refers to a question, while "the key issue" refers to a broader problem or concern.

When is it appropriate to use "a central question" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "a central question" when introducing a core inquiry, guiding the reader or listener to the heart of the matter. It's suitable for academic papers, presentations, and any context where clarity and focus are essential.