central work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "central work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a primary or most important piece of work in a particular context, such as literature, art, or research. Example: "The author's central work has significantly influenced modern literary theory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Only the central work, Ravel's Piano Concerto in G, disappointed.

The Guardian - Music

It is a central work in the history of portraiture.

The Guardian - Arts

Culture and Anarchy is in some ways Arnold's most central work.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The central work was John Adams's baritone setting of "The Wound-Dresser," from 1988.

The New York Times - Arts

Such a large scale "central work conference" had not been held since 1988, political experts said.

The New York Times

The central work is Bach's Chaconne in D Minor for violin, arranged as a left-hand piano exercise by Brahms.

The New Yorker

The central work was the Symphony No 1, with that haunting opening beautifully played by the LPO's principal clarinet.

The Guardian - Music

Take 2011's Piano Quintet, the central work on this lovely new disc from the Ives Ensemble.

The Guardian - Music

Russell also provides unusually rich explanatory notes, which enable full appreciation of this central work in the history of rhetoric.

Harvard University

Roots, the central work in Arnold Wesker's 1950s trilogy, refuses to be rushed and keeps you waiting two and half hours for a turning-point.

Independent

The central work of my show is a video that follows a woman who climbs from the mangroves and discovers a decadent world.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "central work" when you want to emphasize that a particular piece of work is the most important or representative within a larger body of work or a specific context. It is suitable for academic, artistic, and professional discussions.

Common error

While "central work" is appropriate in formal settings, avoid overusing it in casual conversation. In informal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "main focus" or "key project" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "central work" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or an object in a sentence. It identifies a specific piece of work as the most important or representative. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Academia

21%

Encyclopedias

14%

Less common in

Science

12%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "central work" is a grammatically correct and frequently used noun phrase that refers to the most important or representative piece of work within a specific context. According to Ludwig, this phrase is suitable for formal settings, such as academic papers, news articles, and artistic critiques. While alternatives like "key work" or "main work" exist, "central work" effectively conveys the significance of the designated piece. It's important to consider the formality of the context when choosing this phrase, opting for simpler language in casual conversations. The high frequency and authoritative sources confirm its widespread acceptance and proper usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

key work

Emphasizes the importance and significance of the work.

main work

Focuses on the primary aspect of the work.

principal work

Highlights the leading or foremost nature of the work.

core work

Suggests the essential and fundamental aspect of the work.

major work

Indicates a work of considerable importance or scale.

chief work

Highlights the most important or prominent work.

primary work

Focuses on the work that is of highest importance or priority.

seminal work

Emphasizes the highly influential and groundbreaking nature of the work.

essential work

Suggests the work is indispensable or crucial.

definitive work

Highlights the work as the most authoritative or complete.

FAQs

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

You can use "central work" to refer to the most important piece of work in a particular collection or exhibition. For example, "The painting is considered the artist's "central work"".

What are some alternatives to "central work"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "key work", "main work", or "principal work".

Is "central work" formal or informal?

"Central work" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for academic, professional, and artistic discussions. Simpler alternatives may be preferred in informal contexts.

What makes something a "central work"?

A "central work" is typically the piece that is most representative, important, or influential within a larger body of work. It often encapsulates the key themes or ideas of the artist or author.