central figure

USAGE SUMMARY

"central figure" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person, idea, or object that is the most important or prominent in a situation or story. Example: In the novel "To Kill a Mockingbird," Atticus Finch serves as the central figure of morality and justice in a small town torn apart by racial tensions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

he was the central figure.

The Guardian

"The central figure is Knight," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

The central figure was Captain Gregory Corrales.

The New Yorker

Central figure of story Red Grange.

The New Yorker

Hunger's central figure is Bobby Sands.

The Guardian

"I'm the central figure," he said.

The Washington Post

He was always the central figure..

The New York Times - Books

The central figure, "Ama," is the grandmother of de Tizi.

Princeton University

Certainly not Owen's central figure, the wonderfully bent Peter Gatien.

The New York Times - Books

The central figure in the indictment was Mrs. Porges, 47.

The New York Times

The central figure is the patriarch Red Raftery.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "central figure", ensure the context clearly establishes the significance of the person or thing you are describing. Provide supporting details that highlight their importance.

Common error

Avoid using "central figure" if the person or thing's role is not truly pivotal. Ensure that other elements do not overshadow the supposed "central figure" to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "central figure" functions primarily as a noun phrase, identifying the most important person, object, or concept within a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across diverse texts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "central figure" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase to denote the most important person or element in a scenario. Ludwig AI analysis indicates it is versatile, appropriate for diverse contexts from news reporting to academic writing. While alternatives like "key individual" or "main protagonist" exist, "central figure" effectively and directly conveys importance. Remember to ensure that the described element truly warrants the designation of "central figure" to avoid overstating its importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

key individual

Focuses on the person's role as essential to the situation.

driving force

Implies that the person or thing is what causes the action and is key to the whole subject.

main protagonist

Specifically refers to the leading character in a story or event.

principal actor

Emphasizes the active role of a person in a given scenario.

primary focus

Shifts the emphasis to the main point of attention.

leading light

Suggests a person who is influential and guides others.

chief component

Highlights the most important part of a larger entity or system.

lynchpin

Implies that the person or thing is crucial to the stability of something.

core element

Highlights the fundamental aspect of something.

figurehead

Suggests the individual is a symbolic representative, not necessarily the most influential.

FAQs

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

Use "central figure" to describe someone or something that is the most important or prominent element in a particular situation. For example, "The CEO was the "central figure" in the company's turnaround strategy".

What are some alternatives to "central figure"?

You can use alternatives like "key individual", "main protagonist", or "primary focus" depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "central figure" and "figurehead"?

"Central figure" implies genuine importance and influence, while "figurehead" suggests a more symbolic role with potentially less actual power.

In what contexts is "central figure" most appropriate?

"Central figure" is suitable in various contexts including news reports, academic discussions, and general narratives where highlighting the core element is crucial. It works well when someone or something significantly impacts the narrative or situation.