at the center

USAGE SUMMARY

'at the center' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the phrase 'at the center' to refer to a literal or metaphorical center. For example, you could say "The media has been focused on this story since it broke, and it remains at the center of attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

13 is at the center.

The New York Times

Slavery, of course, is at the center.

The New York Times - Arts

Pakistan is at the center of it.

The New York Times

"Where is she now?" "At the center.

The New Yorker

Every door at the center is locked.

The New York Times - Sports

Bikowsky was at the center of it.

The New Yorker

Always, though, language is at the center.

The New York Times - Arts

He needs to be at the center.

The New Yorker

So 13 is at the center.

The New York Times

He's at the center of it".

The New York Times

We're not at the center.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at the center" to denote the literal middle point of a physical object or space, or to signify the core or most important aspect of an abstract concept.

Common error

Avoid using "at the center" in passive voice constructions where it obscures the subject performing the action. Instead of "It was placed at the center by the team", prefer "The team placed it at the center."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at the center" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate location, either literally (e.g., "at the center of the room") or figuratively (e.g., "at the center of the issue"). As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and widely usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at the center" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate physical or metaphorical centrality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It frequently appears in News & Media and Science, denoting a key location or central theme. When writing, use "at the center" to clearly specify a position or emphasize the core importance of something. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "in the middle" or "at the heart of", adapting to the specific context for nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the middle

Refers to a physical midpoint or central area.

at the heart of

Emphasizes the core or most important aspect of something.

at the core

Focuses on the essential or fundamental part.

centrally located

Highlights the position of something in a central place.

in a central position

Similar to centrally located, but phrased differently.

in the focal point

Highlights the primary area of interest or attention.

at the nucleus

Implies the central and controlling element.

in the epicenter

Suggests the point of origin or greatest intensity.

at the axis

Refers to a central line around which something rotates or is organized.

in the midst of

Indicates being surrounded by or involved in something.

FAQs

How can I use "at the center" in a sentence?

You can use "at the center" to describe a physical location, as in "The statue is "at the center" of the park", or to describe the most important part of something, as in "Customer satisfaction is "at the center" of our business strategy".

What are some alternatives to "at the center"?

Some alternatives include "in the middle", "at the heart of", or "centrally located". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "in the center" instead of "at the center"?

Both "in the center" and "at the center" are grammatically correct and often interchangeable. The choice often depends on stylistic preference or the specific nuance you want to convey. While "in the center" emphasizes enclosure, "at the center" highlights the point's location.

What does it mean when something is described as being "at the center" of attention?

When something is "at the center" of attention, it means it is the primary focus or main subject being discussed or considered. It signifies prominence and importance in a given context.