is central to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is central to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express the idea that something is essential or crucial to a particular situation or concept. For example, "Knowledge is central to understanding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Xavi is central to that.

The Guardian - Sport

Attracting outsourced business is central to this.

The Economist

Privacy is central to American law.

The New York Times

He is central to the Nets' offense.

The New York Times

"Audacity is central to everything I do.

The New York Times - Arts

It is central to so many things.

The New Yorker

CREATIVE destruction is central to economic growth.

The Economist

English is central to all of them.

The Economist

This balance is central to his aesthetic.

The New York Times

Technology is central to their lifestyle.

The New York Times

Discretion, it seems, is central to that.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is central to" when you want to emphasize the indispensable nature of something within a larger context. It clearly communicates that without this element, the whole is incomplete or cannot function properly.

Common error

Avoid using "is central to" in overly simplistic sentences where a more direct synonym like "is important for" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is central to" functions as a linking phrase to indicate that something is essential or indispensable to another element. As Ludwig examples show, it connects a subject to its critical component, showcasing its vital role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is central to" effectively conveys that something is indispensable or crucial within a specific context. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used across various domains, particularly in news, business, and scientific writing. While alternatives like "is essential to" or "is critical to" exist, "is central to" emphasizes the integral role of the subject, underscoring its necessity for the overall functionality or understanding. Remember to reserve this powerful phrase for situations where the subject truly holds a pivotal role, and avoid overuse in simple sentences to maintain the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is fundamental to

Highlights the foundational nature of something, suggesting it is a necessary base.

is critical to

Emphasizes that something is crucial for success or function.

is essential to

Indicates something is indispensable and absolutely necessary.

is crucial to

Emphasizes the importance of something in preventing failure.

is paramount to

Stresses the supreme importance and ranking of something.

is vital to

Highlights the importance of something being necessary for life or function.

is key to

Suggests something is the primary factor in achieving a result.

is integral to

Indicates something forms an essential part of a whole.

is requisite to

Implies something is required or necessary for a specific purpose.

is significant to

Underlines the importance of something being worthy of attention.

FAQs

How can I use "is central to" in a sentence?

Use "is central to" to highlight something of utmost importance in a specific situation. For instance, "Customer satisfaction "is central to" our business strategy" conveys that customer satisfaction is vital for the company's success.

What are some alternatives to "is central to"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "is essential to", "is critical to", or "is fundamental to" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to say "is central to" or "is important to"?

"Is central to" implies a higher degree of necessity and integration compared to "is important to". Use "is central to" when something is not just important, but absolutely crucial and integral to the whole.

Can "is central to" be used in formal and informal contexts?

While "is central to" is suitable for both formal and neutral contexts, it may sound overly sophisticated in very informal settings. In those cases, simpler alternatives like "is key to" or "is important for" may be preferable.