central problem

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "central problem" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to refer to an important, fundamental, or significant issue. For example: "Climate change is a central problem facing the world today."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A central problem remains.

The Guardian - Sport

But that just circumvents the central problem.

The New York Times - Magazine

"That became our central problem.

The Guardian - Film

Attendance is not the museum's central problem.

The New York Times - Arts

The central problem is never mentioned.

The Guardian - Film

The central problem is reprogramming I.R.S. computers.

The New York Times

In fact, that's the tale's central problem.

The New York Times

Rather, the central problem is our bad schools.

The New York Times

But they do not get at the central problem: credit.

The New York Times

That conflict of interest is the central problem".

The New York Times

This illuminates a central problem with Grisham's fiction: plot rules.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "central problem" with more specific terms like "key challenge" or "primary concern" to add nuance and clarity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "central problem" repeatedly in close proximity. Vary your language by using synonyms such as "core issue" or "main challenge" to maintain reader engagement and prevent monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "central problem" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the most important issue needing resolution. Ludwig's examples confirm this usage across diverse domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "central problem" is a versatile phrase used to denote the most significant issue within a specific context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently appears in news, scientific, and formal business communications. While widely accepted, it's advisable to vary your vocabulary using alternatives like "key challenge" or "core difficulty" to avoid repetition. Be mindful of overuse and ensure clarity by selecting the most precise term for the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

main issue

Replaces "problem" with the more general term "issue".

key challenge

Substitutes "problem" with "challenge", framing it as something to overcome.

core difficulty

Replaces "central" with "core" and "problem" with "difficulty", emphasizing the fundamental nature of the issue.

primary concern

Shifts the focus to what is most worrying or important.

fundamental obstacle

Emphasizes the hindering nature of the problem.

chief impediment

Uses more formal vocabulary to describe a barrier or obstruction.

major stumbling block

Idiomatic expression for a significant difficulty.

critical snag

Highlights a crucial, unexpected difficulty.

bottleneck

Metaphorically describes a point of congestion or blockage.

crux of the matter

Focuses on the most important point or aspect of a situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "central problem" to highlight the most important issue in a given context. For example: "The "central problem" in this project is securing adequate funding".

What can I say instead of "central problem"?

You can use alternatives like "main issue", "key challenge", or "core difficulty" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "central problem" or "main problem"?

Both ""central problem"" and "main problem" are correct, but "central problem" emphasizes that it's the most important among potentially many problems.

What's the difference between "central problem" and "key issue"?

"Central problem" focuses on a difficulty, while "key issue" refers to a significant point or topic that needs to be considered. The former is more negative in tone.