central concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "central concern" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express something that is of particular importance in a certain context or situation. For example: "The central concern of this essay is to examine how technology has changed the way we communicate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Europe remains the central concern.

The New York Times

Cartel-busting, though, remains a central concern.

The Economist

It's not the central concern of most voters.

The Washington Post

The central concern here is ape-human communication.

The New York Times

The bar's central concern, though, is with real estate closings.

The New York Times

But it doesn't always feel like the show's central concern.

The New Yorker

Safety, Mr. Pitts said, is his agency's central concern.

The New York Times

Security is a central concern in e-commerce.

Britannica

Money seems to be a more central concern.

The New York Times

But the central concern, as it appears now, is shifting.

The New York Times

That, in a nutshell, is a central concern of many.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "central concern", ensure it clearly identifies the most significant issue or problem within the context you are discussing. Avoid ambiguity by providing specific details about what makes it the primary concern.

Common error

Avoid using "central concern" to describe issues that are merely important or relevant, but not the most critical. This can dilute the impact of the phrase and mislead your audience about the true priorities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "central concern" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject complement or object in a sentence. It identifies the primary subject of attention, worry, or focus within a given context. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

31%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "central concern" is a frequently used noun phrase that serves to emphasize the most important issue in a given context. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It finds its home across various domains, including news, science, and academia, and conveys a sense of gravity and importance. While alternatives like "primary concern" and "key issue" exist, "central concern" maintains a formal tone suitable for diverse professional environments. When employing the phrase, ensure the stated concern is indeed the most significant to avoid diluting its impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

primary concern

Emphasizes the importance and ranking of the concern.

principal focus

Stresses the main area of attention or concentration.

key issue

Focuses on the importance of the concern as a problem to be addressed.

major consideration

Highlights the importance of the concern in decision-making.

main worry

Highlights the anxiety or apprehension associated with the concern.

primary focus of attention

Stresses the importance of attention as a concern.

core problem

Emphasizes that the concern is a root or fundamental issue.

chief preoccupation

Indicates a dominant or obsessive focus on the concern.

essential question

Indicates that the concern is a critical inquiry or matter for investigation.

overriding objective

Highlights how this concern is superior in comparison to others.

FAQs

How do I use "central concern" in a sentence?

Use "central concern" to highlight the most important issue or problem being discussed. For instance, "The "central concern" of the project is staying within budget".

What are some alternatives to "central concern"?

You can use alternatives like "primary concern", "main worry", or "key issue" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "central concern" in formal writing?

Yes, "central concern" is suitable for formal writing, as it is a clear and professional way to indicate the most important issue. It's commonly used in academic papers, business reports, and news articles.

What's the difference between "central concern" and "minor concern"?

"Central concern" refers to the most important issue, while "minor concern" indicates a less significant or secondary issue. Understanding this distinction helps prioritize effectively.