central interest

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "central interest" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a primary focus or main concern in a discussion or analysis. Example: "The central interest of this research is the impact of climate change on biodiversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Of central interest is how regulatory environments shape diffusion processes.

Columbia University

His central interest was transformation, the alchemy of one thing turning into another.

The Guardian - Arts

Most recently Etheridge's central interest has been a collection of mathematical problems arising in population genetics.

University of California, Berkeley

This central interest led me in 1954 to the graduate program in sociology at Berkeley.

University of California, Berkeley

My central interest is the mechanisms that create allelic diversity and modulate genome stability in plants.

Stanford University

American and European post war and contemporary art became a central interest in Hannelore's life.

The New York Times

The production of viable biological heart valves is of central interest in tissue engineering (TE).

Biomaterials

Mr. Rickey was one of two major 20th-century artists to make movement a central interest in sculpture.

The New York Times

The men who surround him are by & large domestic reformers whose central interest is in American affairs.

The New Yorker

Of central interest here, though, is the general issue of air pollution, which could well have some campaign traction.

The Guardian - Opinion

In contrast, a central interest served by the Speedy Trial Clause is the protection of the factfinding process at trial.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "central interest", ensure it clearly identifies the core subject matter of your discussion or analysis to maintain clarity and focus for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "central interest" excessively in a single document. Vary your language by using synonyms like "main focus" or "primary concern" to prevent your writing from sounding repetitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "central interest" functions primarily as a noun phrase that identifies the main subject, focus, or concern within a given context. It acts as a subject complement or object of a preposition, highlighting the core element under consideration. Ludwig provides numerous examples that showcase this functionality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

31%

Academia

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "central interest" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, indicating the main focus or primary concern within a given context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears most commonly in scientific, news media, and academic domains, reflecting its utility in formal and neutral registers. While versatile, writers should be mindful of potential redundancy and consider using synonyms like "main focus" or "primary concern" for variation. Overall, "central interest" serves as a clear and effective way to highlight the core subject matter under consideration.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main focus

This alternative replaces "central interest" with a simpler, more direct term for the primary point of attention.

primary concern

This alternative shifts the emphasis to the most important issue or worry.

key focus

This alternative highlights the most important focal point.

principal interest

This alternative uses a more formal synonym for "main" to describe the primary area of interest.

chief concern

This alternative emphasizes the top concern or worry.

core focus

This alternative highlights the essential and fundamental aspect of interest.

major interest

This alternative uses "major" to signify a significant area of focus.

primary objective

This alternative changes the focus to the main goal or aim.

main objective

This alternative replaces "central interest" with the main purpose or goal.

overriding interest

This alternative suggests that the interest is the most important thing.

FAQs

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

You can use "central interest" to indicate the main focus or concern of a particular subject. For example, "The "central interest" of the study is the impact of social media on teenagers."

What are some alternatives to "central interest"?

Alternatives to "central interest" include "main focus", "primary concern", or "key focus". The best choice depends on the specific context.

How does "central interest" differ from "secondary interest"?

"Central interest" refers to the primary area of focus, while "secondary interest" indicates a less important or subordinate area of focus. Central interest is what you are studying at the principal level, secondary is more like a side topic.

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

Yes, "central interest" is appropriate for formal writing. It is commonly used in academic, scientific, and professional contexts to clearly identify the main subject of discussion. Ludwig confirms its widespread use.