the central question

USAGE SUMMARY

"the central question" is a grammatically correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It refers to the main or most important question within a sentence or piece of writing. Example: In his thesis, the author poses the central question of whether technology is ultimately beneficial or harmful to society.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It had become the central question there.

The New York Times - Arts

FRANK: Well it's the central question.

The New Yorker

How could he, is the central question?

The Economist

This is the central question.

The Guardian - Music

The central question — what happened?

The New York Times

This is the central question of linguistics.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

China's intentions remain the central question.

The New York Times

That's the central question of the crisis.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's the central question of the movie.

The New Yorker

That's the central question," Mr. Holder said.

The New York Times

The central question will be punishingly direct.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When framing an argument or analysis, clearly articulate "the central question" early to guide the reader's focus.

Common error

Avoid burying "the central question" within excessive background information. State it concisely to prevent reader confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the central question" functions as a noun phrase that introduces the primary subject of inquiry or debate. It is often used to frame discussions and analyses by highlighting the most important question that needs to be addressed, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the central question" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that serves to highlight the core inquiry of a discussion or analysis. Ludwig's examples indicate its widespread applicability across diverse fields, including news, academia, and science. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts, and its purpose is primarily to focus attention on the most critical issue at hand. Based on the Ludwig AI analysis, the phrase is grammatically correct and very common. Remember to clearly articulate "the central question" to guide your audience effectively, avoiding the common mistake of burying it within peripheral details.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The key question

Replaces 'central' with 'key', suggesting a primary but perhaps less encompassing focus.

The main issue

Shifts from a question to a broader issue, implying a problem or topic under discussion.

The core problem

Highlights the fundamental problem, often implying a need for a solution.

The fundamental inquiry

Uses more formal language, emphasizing the investigative nature of the question.

The critical point

Focuses on a specific point that is essential for understanding or decision-making.

The crux of the matter

Emphasizes the most important or decisive aspect of a situation.

The primary concern

Highlights the main worry or area of interest.

The heart of the issue

Uses a metaphor to emphasize the emotional or essential core of the problem.

What's the real question

Directs attention to the underlying or true question, often implying hidden complexities.

What truly matters

Focuses on the ultimate significance or importance of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "the central question" to introduce the main point of inquiry in a discussion, argument, or analysis. For example, "The central question is whether these policies are truly effective."

What are some alternatives to "the central question"?

You can use alternatives like "the key question", "the main issue", or "the core problem" depending on the specific context.

Is it ever appropriate to have more than one "central question"?

While it's best to have a primary focus, complex topics might involve interconnected questions. However, ensure each question is genuinely central, not a secondary concern.

How do I identify "the central question" in a text?

Look for the underlying issue that the author is trying to address or resolve. It's often the question that, if answered, would provide the most significant insight or resolution.