be centered on

USAGE SUMMARY

"be centered on" is a valid and usable phrase in written English and can be used in a variety of contexts.
For example, "The presentation will be centered on the latest developments in the field of robotics."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Be centered on one's essential, unchanging nature.

The New York Times

We can't forget that this debate must be centered on the simple fact that they're human beings.

Huffington Post

Music and eulogies, he said, "must be centered on Christ".

The New York Times

The segments will be centered on a weekly theme.

The New York Times

Literary criticism used to be centered on meaning.

The New Yorker

"The entire discussion has to be centered on controlling or reducing costs".

The New York Times - Health

The third installment will be centered on a character from Sebald's novel, Ambros.

The Guardian

More financing must be centered on the unique research capabilities of New Jersey R. & D. organizations.

The New York Times

First, I didn't intend our conversation to be centered on FIRE.

The Washington Post

And in a rational political world, his campaign would be centered on that achievement.

The New York Times

The soft perimeter would be centered on the federal courthouse, Mr. Kelly said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be centered on", ensure the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "The discussion will be centered on…", specify "The discussion will be centered on the budget allocation."

Common error

Avoid overly passive constructions. Instead of "The project is going to be centered on by the team", prefer "The team will center the project on [specific goal]". This makes the sentence more direct and active.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be centered on" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the main subject or focal point. Ludwig AI confirms this, showing its prevalent use in various contexts to specify the core element around which something is organized or focused.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

21%

Science

19%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be centered on" is a versatile prepositional phrase widely used to indicate the main subject or focal point of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While alternatives like "focus on" or "revolve around" exist, "be centered on" remains a valuable option for clearly specifying the core emphasis of a topic or plan. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by defining the subject precisely and avoiding overly passive constructions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

focus on

Indicates a deliberate concentration of attention or effort towards a specific subject.

be based on

Indicates the foundation or groundwork upon which something is built or developed.

concentrate on

Similar to "focus on", but can suggest a more intensive and sustained level of attention.

revolve around

Expresses a similar idea of something being the focal point, but often implies a cyclical or recurring nature.

highlight

Draws attention to a specific point or detail, making it more visible or noticeable.

be predicated on

Suggests that something is based or founded on a particular assumption or condition.

emphasize

Highlights the importance or prominence of a particular aspect or element.

pivot on

Implies a crucial turning point or a critical element that determines the direction of something.

hinge on

Implies that the outcome or success of something is dependent on a particular factor.

stress

Similar to "emphasize", but can also suggest a sense of urgency or pressure.

FAQs

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

Use "be centered on" to indicate the main focus or subject of something. For example, "The movie's plot will "revolve around" the protagonist's journey" or "The conference will "focus on" sustainable development".

What are some alternatives to "be centered on"?

Alternatives include phrases like ""focus on"", ""revolve around"", "hinge on", or "be based on", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "focus on" or "be centered on"?

Both phrases are correct, but ""focus on"" is often more direct and concise. "Be centered on" can sometimes sound more formal or passive. The best choice depends on the context and desired tone.

Can "be centered on" be used to describe physical arrangements?

Yes, "be centered on" can describe physical arrangements, such as "The design should be based on symmetry", but it is more commonly used to describe the focal point of discussions, plans, or ideas.