central issue

USAGE SUMMARY

'central issue' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you are talking about an important topic or idea that needs to be discussed or addressed. For example, "The central issue in this debate is the potential economic effects of the new policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Again, the central issue is overcrowding.

Independent

These are not the central issue.

Independent

Sexuality is never the central issue here.

The New York Times - Arts

Neither can illuminate the central issue.

The Economist

Still, the central issue remains consent.

The New Yorker

The central issue is competitiveness.

The New York Times

Job growth has become a central issue.

The Guardian - Opinion

The economy emerged as the central issue on voters' minds.

The New York Times

The central issue: the Jets lacked an identity.

The New York Times - Sports

But the central issue was that of German reparations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Control of the Baltic Sea became a central issue.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "central issue" to clearly identify the most important aspect of a complex situation, helping to focus discussion and analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "central issue" when a simpler term like "main point" or "key factor" would suffice. Reserve it for situations where a more emphatic focus on the core problem is needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "central issue" primarily functions as a noun phrase, identifying the most important problem, question, or topic within a given context. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "central issue" is a frequently used phrase to pinpoint the most important aspect of a situation or discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, with examples demonstrating its prevalence across varied contexts like news, science, and encyclopedias. While versatile, it's best reserved for scenarios needing emphatic focus, differentiating it from simpler terms such as "main point". Key alternatives include "core problem" and "main concern". Remember to use "central issue" to bring clarity and focus to complex topics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

core problem

Focuses specifically on the problematic aspect, highlighting the main difficulty.

primary focus

Shifts the emphasis to what is being given the most attention or effort.

chief point

Stresses the most significant aspect or argument.

critical factor

Highlights the decisive element that influences an outcome.

main concern

Emphasizes the element of worry or importance that requires attention.

key question

Highlights the critical inquiry that needs to be answered.

principal element

Identifies the main component or factor.

fundamental aspect

Underlines the foundational nature of the issue.

major theme

Emphasizes the overarching topic or subject.

overriding consideration

Highlights the most important factor that must be taken into account.

FAQs

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

You can use "central issue" to highlight the most important aspect of a topic. For example, "The "central issue" in the debate is funding."

What are some alternatives to "central issue"?

Alternatives include "core problem", "main concern", or "key question" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "central issue" instead of "main point"?

"Central issue" is best used when emphasizing the core, often problematic, aspect of a situation, while "main point" is more general. The "central issue" is more emphatic.

Is "central issue" formal or informal?

"Central issue" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, appearing frequently in news, academic writing, and professional discussions. Its formality is dictated by the surrounding language.