the central concern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the central concern" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe the main or primary issue that is being addressed in a sentence, paragraph, or piece of writing. For example: - "In her speech, the politician addressed the central concerns of the community, such as education and healthcare." - "The central concern of the research paper was to examine the effects of climate change on biodiversity." - "As the company's CEO, my central concern is to ensure the financial stability and growth of the business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Europe remains the central concern.

The New York Times

It's not the central concern of most voters.

The Washington Post

The central concern here is ape-human communication.

The New York Times

But the central concern, as it appears now, is shifting.

The New York Times

Celebrating chamber music is the central concern of Trout Week.

The New York Times - Arts

The central concern of this article will be where this transition is leading.

Columbia University

On the question of terror, the central concern of the Bush presidency, he pronounced himself satisfied.

The New York Times

Both these moments spoke to the central concern of the series.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Among animal-rights advocates, the central concern is quality of life.

The Washington Post

Exposure to minuscule, toxic particles in the air is the central concern.

The Washington Post

Health security, especially in a severe recession, should have been the central concern.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the central concern" to clearly and directly identify the most important issue or focus in your writing. This ensures clarity and helps the reader understand the main point.

Common error

Avoid using "the central concern" when the context lacks a clear, identifiable main issue. Ensure that the concern is specific and relevant to the overall topic to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the central concern" functions as a noun phrase that identifies the primary focus, issue, or problem being addressed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

24%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

9%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the central concern" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrase that effectively identifies the primary focus or issue. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s suitable for various contexts, from academic writing to news reports. When using this phrase, ensure that the context is clear and the concern is well-defined. Consider alternatives like "the key issue" or "the primary focus" for slight variations in emphasis. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively incorporate "the central concern" into your writing to enhance clarity and focus.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The key issue

Focuses on the most important problem or subject.

The primary focus

Emphasizes the main point of attention.

The main problem

Highlights the principal difficulty or challenge.

The principal issue

Stresses the foremost matter under consideration.

The overriding concern

Indicates a concern that takes precedence over others.

The paramount consideration

Suggests a consideration of utmost importance.

The chief concern

Highlights the most significant worry or interest.

The major preoccupation

Focuses on what someone is mostly thinking about.

The pivotal question

Emphasizes the central question upon which everything depends.

The heart of the matter

Directly points to the most essential aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "the central concern" in a sentence?

Use "the central concern" to highlight the primary issue or focus of a discussion, argument, or situation. For example, "The central concern is funding" or "the central concern is safety".

What's a more formal alternative to "the central concern"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "the principal issue", "the paramount consideration", or "the overriding concern" to convey a similar meaning with increased formality.

What's the difference between "the central concern" and "a concern"?

"The central concern" refers to the main, most important issue, while "a concern" simply indicates one of possibly many issues.

Is it correct to use "the central concern" in academic writing?

Yes, "the central concern" is perfectly acceptable and often used in academic writing to clearly identify the main focus of research, analysis, or discussion.