C1 Expression Formal 3 min de leitura

The central argument is

Academic essay writing expression

Use this phrase to clearly state your main point in formal writing or serious debates.

Em 15 segundos

  • The most important point of a speech or essay.
  • Used to focus the audience on your main claim.
  • Essential for academic writing and professional presentations.

Significado

Think of this as the 'heart' of your message. It's the one big idea you want people to remember or the main point you are trying to prove in a debate or essay.

Exemplos-chave

3 de 6
1

Writing a university history paper

The central argument is that the economic crisis led directly to the revolution.

The central argument is that the economic crisis led directly to the revolution.

💼
2

Presenting a new strategy at a business meeting

The central argument is that we must prioritize user experience over new features.

The central argument is that we must prioritize user experience over new features.

💼
3

Texting a friend about a movie debate

Look, the central argument is that the first movie was better because of the acting.

Look, the central argument is that the first movie was better because of the acting.

😄
🌍

Contexto cultural

This phrase is a cornerstone of Western rhetorical tradition, which emphasizes 'linear' logic. It became a standard part of the five-paragraph essay structure taught in schools across the US, UK, and Canada. It reflects a cultural value for transparency and 'getting straight to the point' in professional and academic settings.

💡

The 'One Point' Rule

Only use this phrase for your absolute most important point. If you have three 'central' arguments, none of them are actually central!

⚠️

Don't over-use it

If you use this phrase in every paragraph, it loses its power. Save it for the introduction and the conclusion for maximum impact.

Em 15 segundos

  • The most important point of a speech or essay.
  • Used to focus the audience on your main claim.
  • Essential for academic writing and professional presentations.

What It Means

The central argument is acts like a spotlight. It focuses everyone's attention on your most important point. It tells your reader or listener, "If you forget everything else, remember this." In academic writing, it is the backbone of your work. It connects all your smaller points together. Without it, your writing is just a list of facts. With it, you have a powerful message.

How To Use It

You usually place this phrase near the beginning of your text. It often appears in the introduction or the first paragraph. You follow it with a clear, strong statement. For example, The central argument is that technology has changed how we socialize. You can also use it in a meeting to get people back on track. It sounds smart and very organized. Just make sure you actually have a strong point to follow it up with!

When To Use It

Use this phrase when you are writing an essay for university. It is perfect for business reports or formal presentations. You can also use it during a serious debate with friends. It helps when you want to sound authoritative and logical. It’s great for summarizing a complex topic into one simple sentence. If you are trying to persuade someone, this is your best friend.

When NOT To Use It

Don't use this phrase when you are having a light, casual chat. If you say it while ordering coffee, people will look at you funny. The central argument is that I need a latte sounds way too dramatic! Avoid it in romantic texts unless you are being funny. It is too heavy for small talk about the weather. Also, don't use it if you are just sharing a random thought. It implies you have evidence and logic ready to go.

Cultural Background

Western academic culture loves directness. We like to know the main point right away. In some cultures, it is polite to circle around the point first. In English-speaking universities, being direct is seen as a sign of clarity. This phrase became a standard tool for 'Thesis Statements.' It reflects a culture that values logic, evidence, and structured debate. It’s about being efficient with the reader's time.

Common Variations

You might hear people say The main point is or The core thesis is. In a business setting, they might say The bottom line is. If someone is being fancy, they might use The primary contention is. All of these do the same job. They point to the most important part of the conversation. The crux of the matter is is another cool, slightly more old-fashioned version.

Notas de uso

This is a high-level academic phrase. Use it when you want to appear professional, structured, and persuasive. Avoid it in casual settings unless you are intentionally being dramatic or humorous.

💡

The 'One Point' Rule

Only use this phrase for your absolute most important point. If you have three 'central' arguments, none of them are actually central!

⚠️

Don't over-use it

If you use this phrase in every paragraph, it loses its power. Save it for the introduction and the conclusion for maximum impact.

💬

The 'Dramatic' Effect

Native speakers sometimes use this in casual arguments to sound like a lawyer. It’s a great way to add a bit of sarcasm or humor when debating something silly like 'Is a hotdog a sandwich?'

Exemplos

6
#1 Writing a university history paper
💼

The central argument is that the economic crisis led directly to the revolution.

The central argument is that the economic crisis led directly to the revolution.

This provides a clear thesis statement for the reader.

#2 Presenting a new strategy at a business meeting
💼

The central argument is that we must prioritize user experience over new features.

The central argument is that we must prioritize user experience over new features.

Helps the team understand the core goal of the strategy.

#3 Texting a friend about a movie debate
😄

Look, the central argument is that the first movie was better because of the acting.

Look, the central argument is that the first movie was better because of the acting.

Using formal language in a casual debate adds a bit of mock-seriousness.

#4 A couple discussing their future
💭

The central argument is that we aren't spending enough quality time together.

The central argument is that we aren't spending enough quality time together.

Used to bring focus to the root cause of a problem.

#5 Reviewing a book for a blog
🤝

The central argument is that modern life is making us more lonely.

The central argument is that modern life is making us more lonely.

Summarizes the author's intent effectively.

#6 Arguing about dinner choices
😄

The central argument is that pizza is the only food that makes everyone happy.

The central argument is that pizza is the only food that makes everyone happy.

A funny way to sound like an expert on something trivial.

Teste-se

Complete the sentence to state the main point of a report on remote work.

___ that remote work increases productivity while lowering office costs.

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: The central argument is

We use 'is' because 'argument' is singular, and 'The central argument is' is the standard fixed phrase.

Choose the best phrase to start a formal debate point.

___ that education should be free for every citizen.

✓ Correto! ✗ Quase. Resposta certa: The central argument is

'The central argument is' provides the necessary formality and weight for a debate.

🎉 Pontuação: /2

Recursos visuais

Formality Spectrum of 'The central argument is'

Casual

Talking to a friend about lunch.

The main thing is...

Neutral

Explaining a movie plot.

The point of the story is...

Formal

Writing a college essay or business report.

The central argument is...

Where to use 'The central argument is'

The central argument is
🎓

University Essay

Stating your thesis in the intro.

💼

Boardroom Meeting

Defining the goal of a project.

⚖️

Political Debate

Challenging an opponent's logic.

📖

Book/Film Review

Summarizing the creator's message.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

It means you are identifying the most important claim or idea in a discussion. It’s like saying, This is the core of what I am trying to prove.

Only if you are being funny or having a very serious debate. Otherwise, it sounds a bit too formal for a quick How are you? text.

No, that is grammatically incorrect. You should say The central arguments are (plural) or keep it singular and combine your points into one big idea.

Not at all! It is very common in spoken English during presentations, speeches, and formal debates.

The main point is slightly more casual. The central argument sounds more academic and implies you have logic to back it up.

It usually belongs in your introduction as part of your thesis statement. It can also be used in the conclusion to remind the reader of your goal.

Not if used correctly. It sounds confident and organized. It helps the reader follow your logic more easily.

Yes! Adding My makes it more personal. In very formal scientific papers, people often prefer The central argument is to stay objective.

Then you should use a different phrase like The key finding is. An argument implies you are taking a side or interpreting facts.

It is used equally in both! It is a standard part of global academic English.

Frases relacionadas

The crux of the matter

The most important or decisive point of an issue.

The bottom line is

The most important fact in a situation (often used in business).

At the heart of the issue

Focusing on the central, most vital part of a problem.

The primary thesis

The main statement or theory that is put forward to be maintained or proved.

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