being centered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being centered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to mindfulness, emotional stability, or focus, often referring to a state of mental or emotional balance. Example: "In stressful situations, I find that being centered helps me make better decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

But it starts with understanding that there's a big difference between being self-centered and being centered in yourself.

Huffington Post

"You can see my evolution as a human being through the greens, as I was getting closer and closer to being centered," he said.

The New York Times

Their premise is that the alerts run backwards, being centered on the sender, not the recipient.

The New York Times

All of that is predicated on a person being centered in the image and well lit.

MIT Technology Review

They're hitting line drives, not ground balls and pop-ups, so you know the ball is being centered".

The New York Times - Sports

Some commentators attributed the lack of casualties to the quake's being centered on relatively sparsely inhabited countryside.

The New York Times

Kia initially resisted the recall, claiming the problem was attributable to adult passengers not being centered on the seat cushion.

The New York Times

In another way to minimize risk, some new series borrow the Vanilla Ice template in being centered on faded stars.

The New York Times

Because Terminal 5 was designed from scratch after 9/11, instead of being reconfigured, it accurately portrays the state of air travel today as being centered on security.

The New York Times

Culturally and economically this is grits and milk-gravy country, with Sikeston, which she mentioned, being centered in the Bootheel's cotton plantation country.

The New York Times - Travel

The Cornell Tech MBA program being centered in Manhattan offers a lot of opportunities to collaborate with tech-minded entrepreneurial students," he says.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical positioning or arrangement, consider more precise terms like "centered on" or "positioned centrally" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "being centered" when a more direct active voice would be clearer and more concise. For instance, instead of "The discussion was being centered on budget cuts", try "The discussion centered on budget cuts".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being centered" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. As confirmed by Ludwig, it describes a state of mental or emotional equilibrium.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being centered" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, as verified by Ludwig, that denotes a state of mental, emotional, or physical balance. It commonly appears in various contexts, including news, science, and academia, to describe focus, stability, and self-awareness. While versatile, it is crucial to avoid passive voice constructions and consider more precise alternatives when describing physical arrangements. Related terms like "staying grounded" and "finding balance" provide nuanced options for conveying similar meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

finding balance

Highlights the act of achieving equilibrium.

remaining balanced

Highlights the state of equilibrium, whether physical, mental, or emotional.

staying grounded

Implies practicality and a connection to reality.

finding inner peace

Focuses more on the emotional and spiritual aspect of balance.

keeping focused

Emphasizes maintaining concentration and direction.

maintaining equilibrium

Emphasizes the balance and stability in a situation or system.

cultivating mindfulness

Highlights the practice of being present and aware.

remaining composed

Focuses on maintaining a calm and controlled demeanor.

maintaining composure

Emphasizes staying calm and collected, especially in stressful situations.

achieving stability

Focuses on attaining a state of steadiness and security.

FAQs

How can I use "being centered" in a sentence?

You can use "being centered" to describe a state of emotional and mental balance, as in "Being centered helps me handle stressful situations more effectively."

What are some alternatives to "being centered"?

Alternatives to "being centered" include "staying grounded", "finding balance", or "maintaining equilibrium" depending on the specific context.

Is "being centered" grammatically correct?

Yes, "being centered" is grammatically correct when used as a gerund phrase, often functioning as a noun or part of a continuous verb construction. Ludwig confirms its correct and usable status.

What's the difference between "being centered" and "being self-centered"?

"Being centered" refers to a state of inner balance and self-awareness, whereas "self-centered" describes someone who is primarily concerned with their own needs and interests.