the central issue is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the central issue is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce the main point or topic of discussion in an argument or analysis. Example: "In the debate about climate change, the central issue is the impact of human activity on global temperatures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Again, the central issue is overcrowding.

Independent

The central issue is competitiveness.

The New York Times

For orthodox Republicans, the central issue is, of course, taxes.

The New Yorker

The central issue is the candidate's fitness for the presidency.

The New York Times

In Europe, the central issue is the rollover of medium-term bonds.

The New York Times

"For the majority of Muslims today, the central issue is not a clash with other civilizations.

The New York Times - Books

Club owners say the central issue is the city's accelerating gentrification.

The New York Times

The central issue is rather, as Heidegger pointed out, that: "nearness remains outstanding".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The central issue is the extent of postoperative care women receive after mastectomies.

The New York Times

The central issue is what, if any, lessons the Brotherhood learns from its devastating setback.

The Guardian - Opinion

The central issue is the destruction of Iraq's major weapon systems.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the central issue is", ensure that the statement following the phrase is concise and easily understandable. This ensures that the reader grasps the main point without ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "the central issue is" excessively in a single piece of writing. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Use synonyms and varied sentence structures to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the central issue is" functions as a discourse marker, signaling the introduction of the most important topic or problem under consideration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase. Examples found in Ludwig highlight its use across varied domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the central issue is" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce the core topic or problem in various contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is particularly common in news, scientific, and academic writing. While highly useful, it's essential to avoid overuse and consider alternatives like "the main concern is" or "the key point is" to maintain engagement and clarity. This phrase's neutral tone makes it appropriate for formal and informal communications, helping to clearly define the focus of any discussion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the main problem is

Focuses specifically on the problematic aspect of the situation.

the key concern is

Highlights the element of worry or anxiety surrounding the matter.

the primary focus is

Emphasizes the main area of attention or concentration.

the core question is

Pinpoints the fundamental query that needs to be answered.

the fundamental point is

Stresses the underlying principle or idea at stake.

the critical factor is

Highlights the most important element determining the outcome.

the essential element is

Focuses on the indispensable component of the situation.

what matters most is

Indicates the most significant consideration in the situation.

the heart of the matter is

Draws attention to the crux or essence of the issue.

the overriding consideration is

Indicates the most important consideration that takes precedence over all others.

FAQs

How can I use "the central issue is" in a sentence?

Use "the central issue is" to introduce the main topic, problem, or point of contention in a discussion. For instance, "The central issue is funding for public education" highlights the core concern.

What are some alternatives to "the central issue is"?

Alternatives include "the main concern is", "the key point is", or "the primary focus is", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "the central issue is" or "a central issue is"?

"The central issue is" implies there is one overarching concern. "A central issue is" suggests one of several important issues, which may be more appropriate depending on the context.

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

"The central issue is" is a broader term applicable to any main point, while "the main problem is" specifically refers to a problematic aspect. Choose the phrase that best aligns with the context of your discussion.