the central question is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the central question is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when introducing the main issue or topic that will be discussed or analyzed in a text. Example: "In this essay, the central question is whether technology enhances or hinders human communication."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The central question is: Is it possible to use ECUs qualified for gasoline car in electric cars without any reliability risks?

Microelectronics Reliability

But the central question is: What knowledge?

The New York Times

The central question is therefore considering the appropriate modeling tool.

Comprehensive Remote Sensing

And the central question is, is this guy right?

The Guardian - Books

The central question is for whom the book is intended.

The Guardian - Books

The central question is the right size of penalty.

The Guardian - Business

As acquaculture surges, the central question is starting to change.

The New York Times - Magazine

The central question is whether ad networks have an incentive to aggressively combat fraud.

Stanford University

Thus, the central question is no longer whether there will be review of punitive-compensatory ratios.

Cornell University

The central question is, how is wealth created under capitalism at the micro level?

Yale University

The central question is ­whether Lehane's deals can amount to more than that.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the central question is" to clearly introduce the main inquiry or problem your writing addresses, ensuring the reader understands the focus of your discussion.

Common error

Avoid starting consecutive sentences or paragraphs with "the central question is". Vary your sentence structure and use synonyms like "the key issue", or rephrase to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the central question is" serves as an introductory phrase. Its primary grammatical function is to highlight and introduce the most important question or inquiry that will be addressed in the subsequent discussion, as shown by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Academia

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the central question is" is a versatile phrase used to introduce the most important question or issue in a discussion. As indicated by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and sees frequent use across various domains, particularly in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While perfectly acceptable, consider diversifying your writing by using related phrases like "the key question is" or "the main issue is" to avoid redundancy. Remember, the key to impactful writing lies in clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the key question is

Replaces "central" with "key", emphasizing the importance of the question.

the main issue is

Shifts from a question to an issue, highlighting the primary problem.

the primary concern is

Focuses on the main worry or point of concern.

the crucial point is

Emphasizes the decisiveness or critical nature of the point.

the fundamental problem is

Highlights the underlying or foundational problem.

what really matters is

Shifts the focus to what is truly significant.

the core issue revolves around

Indicates that the central issue is a focal point.

the heart of the matter is

Uses a more figurative expression to denote the essential aspect.

at the end of the day, the question is

Adds a sense of finality or ultimate consideration to the question.

the underlying question is

Highlights a question that might not be immediately apparent.

FAQs

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

Use "the central question is" to introduce the main issue or problem that your text will explore. For example, "The central question is: how can we effectively reduce carbon emissions?"

What can I say instead of "the central question is"?

You can use alternatives like "the key question is", "the main issue is", or "the primary concern is" depending on the specific context.

Is it too formal to use "the central question is" in casual writing?

While "the central question is" is appropriate for formal writing, it may sound too structured for casual contexts. In informal settings, consider using phrases like "what it really comes down to is" or "the big question is".

What's the difference between "the central question is" and "the question is"?

"The central question is" emphasizes the primary or most important question among others. Simply stating "the question is" is more general and doesn't necessarily highlight a core issue.