Meaning & use
controlling idea
The central idea or claim that unifies and directs the content of an essay or piece of writing.
See it in a sentence
The controlling idea of her essay was that curiosity drives all great discoveries.
Every paragraph should support the controlling idea stated in the thesis.
A note on using this word
In writing instruction, a controlling idea works like a thesis statement, guiding which details a paragraph should include.
Words with a similar meaning
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Make it your own
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