central concept

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "central concept" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to a main idea or theme that is explored by a work of literature, a philosophical argument, etc. For example: In the novel, the central concept is the fragility of life and the ultimate futility of human striving.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Similarly, item 6 (see Supplemental Material: DCI) is not a central concept or alternative conception.

CBE Life Sciences Education

Anxiety was its central concept.

The New Yorker

Evolution is the central concept in biology.

Cornell University

Really, distraction seems to be the central concept.

The Guardian - Music

Then comes the swerve — a central concept in Epicurean physics.

The New Yorker

The central concept of American Capitalism was "countervailing power".

The Guardian

The central concept was the bias-cut dress.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

That presented interesting problems but didn't change the central concept.

The Washington Post

The central concept is to identify companies that deliver growth at a moderate price.

The New York Times

A good introduction into the central concept of the movement – justice.

The Guardian

The central concept of this work was that of "revolutionary pragmatism".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "central concept", ensure that the concept is clearly defined and consistently applied throughout your writing to maintain clarity and coherence.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that something is a "central concept" without elaborating on its significance or providing context. Always explain why the concept is central and how it relates to the overall topic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "central concept" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or appositive. It identifies a key idea or theme that is essential to understanding a subject. Ludwig provides numerous examples across varied fields, confirming its role in highlighting fundamental principles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

37%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "central concept" is a grammatically sound and widely used noun phrase that highlights the core idea within a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various domains. The phrase appears most frequently in scientific and news media, indicating its suitability for both technical and general audiences. To enhance clarity, writers should ensure that the "central concept" is clearly defined and its relevance thoroughly explained. Alternative phrases such as "core idea" or "key notion" can be used to add variety. By understanding its grammatical function, communicative purpose, and typical usage patterns, writers can effectively employ "central concept" to convey essential information with precision and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

core idea

This alternative emphasizes the fundamental nature of the concept, highlighting its essential role.

key notion

This alternative focuses on the noteworthiness and importance of the concept.

main theme

This alternative is suitable when the concept represents a recurring subject or idea.

underlying principle

This alternative suggests that the concept is a basic rule or foundation upon which something is based.

fundamental idea

This alternative underscores the basic and crucial nature of the concept.

basic premise

This alternative presents the concept as a foundational assumption or starting point for reasoning.

primary focus

This alternative highlights the main point of attention or emphasis.

essential element

This alternative emphasizes that the concept is a necessary and indispensable component.

crucial aspect

This alternative indicates that the concept is a vital and significant part of something.

central tenet

This alternative positions the concept as a core belief or doctrine.

FAQs

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

You can use "central concept" to introduce the most important idea in a theory, argument, or creative work. For instance, "The "central concept" of the book is the impact of technology on society".

What is another way to say "central concept"?

Alternatives to "central concept" include "core idea", "key notion", or "main theme", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How does "central concept" differ from "main idea"?

"Central concept" typically refers to a more abstract or theoretical idea that underlies a larger framework, whereas "main idea" often refers to the primary point of a specific text or argument. The "central concept" can be a guiding principle.

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

Use "central concept" when discussing the fundamental principles or theories within a discipline. It is especially useful in introductions or when summarizing the core arguments of a research paper.