are centered on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are centered on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the main focus or emphasis of a subject or discussion. Example: "The research findings are centered on the impact of climate change on biodiversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many 4-3 schemes are centered on one-gap concepts.

The New York Times

Instead she writes discreetly dazzling books that are centered on one incomparable, near-mythic character.

The New York Times

Meals are centered on what nearby farmers are growing.

The New York Times

Most are centered on colleges of arts and sciences.

The New York Times

Both of those first features are centered on music.

The New Yorker

"Our activities are centered on counterterrorism, counterproliferation and cybersecurity".

The Guardian

These explanations are centered on two sets of factors.

Columbia University

Both are centered on grade-school tomboys who love denim and sensible shoes.

The New Yorker

One group's symptoms are centered on arthritis symptoms like pain and swelling, usually in the knees.

The New York Times - Health

The changes are centered on a realignment of Interpublic into four principal worldwide divisions.

The New York Times

The discussions are centered on Cohn & Wolfe, the agency that is part of Y.&R.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are centered on", ensure that the subject you are describing genuinely represents the main emphasis, and not just a minor aspect.

Common error

Avoid using "are centered on" to describe aspects that are only tangentially related to the main topic. Overusing the phrase for minor details can dilute its impact and confuse readers about the actual focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are centered on" functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating the main point, emphasis, or core subject of something. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are centered on" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to denote the main focus or core subject of a discussion or activity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. Its frequency is very common, appearing in news, academic, and scientific sources, making it suitable for neutral to formal communication. When using "are centered on", ensure that it accurately reflects the primary emphasis to avoid diluting its impact. Alternatives include phrases like "are focused on" or "revolve around".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are focused on

Replaces "centered" with "focused", slightly altering the emphasis while maintaining the core meaning of attention being directed towards something.

are concentrated on

Substitutes "centered" with "concentrated", suggesting a higher degree of focus and intensity.

are based on

Replaces "centered" with "based", indicating a foundation or starting point rather than a central point.

revolve around

Uses the verb "revolve" to indicate that something is the main point around which other things gather.

pivot on

Suggests that something is a crucial point that determines the outcome or direction of something else.

hinge on

Uses "hinge" to convey the idea that something depends entirely on a particular point.

are predicated on

Replaces "centered" with "predicated", indicating a logical foundation or assumption.

gravitate towards

Implies a natural tendency to move towards a particular point or subject.

are oriented towards

Substitutes "centered" with "oriented", indicating a direction or purpose.

are directed at

Suggests aiming or targeting towards a specific goal or objective.

FAQs

How can I use "are centered on" in a sentence?

Use "are centered on" to describe the main focus or primary theme of a topic. For example, "The discussions "are centered on the budget"".

What are some alternatives to "are centered on"?

You can use alternatives such as "are focused on", "are based on", or "revolve around" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is centered on" instead of "are centered on"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "is centered on" for singular subjects and "are centered on" for plural subjects. For example, "The event is centered on community involvement," but "The activities are centered on social engagement".

What's the difference between "are centered on" and "are focused on"?

While both indicate a main point, "are centered on" implies that something is the core or central element, while "are focused on" suggests that attention is directed towards something.