central point

USAGE SUMMARY

"central point" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the most important point or idea in an argument or discussion. For example, "We must keep the central point of our discussion in mind: that cooperation between the two countries is essential for progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's the central point.

The Washington Post

His central point?

The New York Times - Sports

Matthews soon arrived at his central point.

The New York Times

Which brings me to my central point.

Independent

This is an absolutely central point.

The Washington Post

No, the central point here is this.

The Guardian - Sport

That is the central point,' Yunus said.

The Guardian - Business

This is a central point to Ford's allegation.

The Washington Post

In some ways, Morris's central point retains its validity.

The Guardian

But the central point is still pretty stark.

The Guardian

This vignette illustrates Comey's central point: Trump is Trump.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "central point" when you want to emphasize the most important idea or location in your discussion. For clarity, ensure that the surrounding context clearly defines what the central point refers to.

Common error

Avoid using "central point" as a generic term without clearly defining what constitutes the central point in your specific context. Always provide enough detail to make the reference unambiguous to your readers.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "central point" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English, referring to the most important point or idea. Examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "central point" is a grammatically sound and commonly used term, as affirmed by Ludwig. It functions as a noun phrase, typically used to highlight the most important idea or element in a discussion, argument, or situation. Its usage spans various contexts, including news, science, and business, maintaining a neutral level of formality. While alternatives like "main idea" or "key aspect" exist, "central point" remains a versatile and reliable choice for emphasizing the core of a subject. To avoid ambiguity, ensure you clearly define what constitutes the "central point" in your specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main idea

This alternative is more concise and commonly used in summarizing texts or arguments.

key aspect

This alternative emphasizes a particular element that is crucial to understanding the whole.

core issue

This alternative is more suitable when discussing problems or conflicts.

focal point

This alternative suggests a point of convergence or attention.

heart of the matter

This alternative is more informal and emphasizes the most important part of a situation.

crux

This alternative is a more concise and sophisticated way to refer to the decisive point.

pivotal element

This alternative highlights a component that is essential for something to succeed.

essential component

This alternative stresses the necessity of a part or aspect.

primary focus

This alternative emphasizes the main area of attention or effort.

central theme

This alternative is particularly applicable when discussing literature or art.

FAQs

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

You can use "central point" to refer to the main idea, focus, or location. For example, "The "central point" of her argument was that education should be free."

What's a good alternative to "central point"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "main idea", "key aspect", or "core issue".

Is "central point" formal or informal?

"Central point" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, you might consider using a more sophisticated term like "crux".

What is the difference between "central point" and "focal point"?

"Central point" typically refers to the most important idea or element, while "focal point" often refers to the center of attention or interest, though the terms can sometimes be interchangeable.