The central question is
Argumentation and critical discussion expression
Use it to silence the noise and highlight the one thing that truly requires a decision.
15秒了解
- Identifies the most important point in a complex debate.
- Used to pivot from messy details to the core issue.
- Signals leadership, clarity, and high-level critical thinking.
意思
This is a way to cut through all the noise and identify the single most important point of a discussion. It’s like pointing a spotlight at the one thing that actually matters in a sea of details.
关键例句
3 / 6A long business meeting about budget cuts
The central question is whether we prioritize growth or stability this year.
The most important thing to decide is if we want growth or stability.
Discussing a relationship problem with a friend
The central question is: do you still trust him?
The only thing that really matters is if you trust him.
A formal academic debate about climate change
The central question is how to balance economic needs with environmental protection.
The main problem is balancing the economy and the environment.
文化背景
This expression is rooted in Western dialectics and the Socratic method of finding truth through questioning. It became a staple of 20th-century journalism and political debate to help audiences focus on policy cores. Today, it signals that the speaker has high 'executive presence' and can synthesize complex information.
The Power of the Pause
Before saying the phrase, pause for two seconds. It makes the 'question' sound much more profound and important.
Don't Overuse It
If you have five 'central' questions, none of them are central. Stick to just one per conversation.
15秒了解
- Identifies the most important point in a complex debate.
- Used to pivot from messy details to the core issue.
- Signals leadership, clarity, and high-level critical thinking.
What It Means
Imagine you are in a room full of people arguing about a dozen different things. The central question is acts like a reset button. It tells everyone to stop talking about the small stuff. You are saying: "Look, here is the heart of the matter." It identifies the core conflict or the main decision that needs to be made. It is the 'North Star' of your conversation.
How To Use It
You use this phrase to pivot. Usually, you listen to a lot of information first. Then, you pause and say, The central question is... followed by a 'whether' or 'how' statement. For example, The central question is whether we can afford this. It sounds sharp, smart, and very focused. It makes you look like the most organized person in the room. Don't use it for tiny things like what color socks to wear. Use it for things that actually require a big decision.
When To Use It
This is perfect for a meeting when your boss is rambling. It works great in a debate or a serious talk with a partner. Use it when you need to simplify a complex mess. If your friend is complaining about their job, their boss, and their commute, you might say: The central question is: do you actually want to stay there? It brings clarity to emotional or chaotic moments. It’s a power move in professional settings.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this during lighthearted banter or small talk. If someone asks if you like pizza, don't say, The central question is whether pineapple belongs on it. You’ll sound like a philosophy professor at a party. Also, don't use it if you aren't actually going to provide a big question. It raises expectations for a deep insight. If your 'central question' is boring, the phrase loses its magic. Avoid it in casual texts unless you are being intentionally dramatic.
Cultural Background
English speakers, especially in academic or legal cultures, love 'drilling down' to the truth. This phrase comes from a tradition of logic and rhetoric. It reflects a cultural value of efficiency and 'getting to the point.' In the UK and US, being able to summarize a problem is seen as a sign of leadership. It’s the verbal equivalent of drawing a circle around the most important part of a map.
Common Variations
If you want to sound slightly different, try The heart of the matter is. You could also say The real issue here is. For a more modern, tech-savvy vibe, people sometimes say The bottom line is. If you want to be very formal, use The pivotal inquiry remains. But The central question is remains the gold standard for sounding both intelligent and direct.
使用说明
This phrase sits at a C2 level because it requires the speaker to synthesize information. It is highly formal but can be used in neutral settings to show authority. Avoid using it for trivial matters to prevent sounding pretentious.
The Power of the Pause
Before saying the phrase, pause for two seconds. It makes the 'question' sound much more profound and important.
Don't Overuse It
If you have five 'central' questions, none of them are central. Stick to just one per conversation.
The 'Whether' Connection
In English-speaking business culture, this phrase is almost always followed by the word `whether`. It shows you are weighing two specific options.
例句
6The central question is whether we prioritize growth or stability this year.
The most important thing to decide is if we want growth or stability.
Used here to force a decision between two main paths.
The central question is: do you still trust him?
The only thing that really matters is if you trust him.
Cuts through the drama to find the emotional core.
The central question is how to balance economic needs with environmental protection.
The main problem is balancing the economy and the environment.
Standard use in high-level intellectual discussion.
The central question is: do we want to cry or laugh tonight?
The main choice is a sad movie or a funny one.
Slightly dramatic/ironic use for a simple choice.
The central question is whether the cat owns us, or we own the cat.
The real mystery is who is actually in charge here.
Uses a serious structure for a funny, relatable topic.
The central question is if we can be happy so far from the city.
The main thing to consider is our happiness away from the city.
Focuses on the emotional weight of a big move.
自我测试
Choose the best word to complete this professional pivot.
We have discussed the marketing and the design, but the ___ question is whether we have the budget.
`Central` is the standard adjective used to describe the core or most important question.
Complete the phrase used to focus a wandering conversation.
The central question ___ how we intend to finish this project by Friday.
The phrase always uses the singular 'is' because it refers to one main point.
🎉 得分： /2
视觉学习工具
Formality of 'The central question is'
Talking about dinner with friends.
The main thing is...
Discussing a project with a coworker.
The real issue is...
Giving a presentation or writing an essay.
The central question is...
Legal or philosophical discourse.
The core inquiry pertains to...
Where to use 'The central question is'
Boardroom
Focusing on ROI.
Therapy
Finding the root of a feeling.
Courtroom
Defining the legal conflict.
Debate Club
Refuting an opponent's point.
常见问题
10 个问题It can be a bit heavy for a casual date. Use The thing is... or The main point is... instead to keep the vibe light.
Yes, but question sounds more like an invitation to solve something. Problem sounds a bit more negative and stuck.
Usually, no. You just go straight into the question: The central question is how we win.
Absolutely! It’s a great way to summarize a long email chain. Try: To summarize, the central question is....
You can say The two central questions are.... But usually, try to find the one that connects them both.
Only if you interrupt someone to say it. If you wait for a lull in conversation, it sounds helpful and analytical.
Yes, it is very common in thesis introductions. It helps the reader understand exactly what your paper is trying to solve.
The bottom line is usually about money or the final result. The central question is about the logic or the decision-making process.
Yes, it is used across all major English dialects, especially in news reporting and politics.
Not usually. It’s a 'middle' phrase. You need some context first before you can decide what is 'central'.
相关表达
The crux of the matter
The most essential or deciding point of an issue.
The elephant in the room
The obvious major problem that everyone is ignoring.
At the end of the day
A phrase used to summarize the most important result.
The million-dollar question
A very important and difficult question that needs an answer.
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