center on

USAGE SUMMARY

"center on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to mean focus on or take as one's primary concern or topic. For example: "This research paper will center on the causes of climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Center, on 45th Street.

The New Yorker

Skirball Center on Sunday.

The New York Times - Arts

Fischer's demands center on policy.

The New Yorker

Roughly half center on mortgages.

The New York Times

Saturday's workshops center on paper.

The New York Times - Arts

Many concerns center on safety.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Not when it's off-center on purpose.

Huffington Post

My professional activities center on undergraduate education.

Stanford University

Tory Burch show at Lincoln Center on Tuesday.

The New York Times

Follow the Africa Center on Twitter @AfricaACSS.

The Washington Post

Follow the Reader Center on Twitter: @readercenter.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "center on" when you want to emphasize the core subject or main point of discussion. It's effective for academic papers, business reports, and news articles where clarity and focus are crucial.

Common error

While grammatically sound, "center on" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for alternatives like "focus on" or "about" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "center on" functions primarily as a predicate, indicating the main topic, theme, or focus of something. Ludwig provides examples where it highlights the core subject of discussions, research, and concerns.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "center on" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrasal verb that means to primarily focus on or be mainly about something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and common appearance across various writing styles. While "center on" is appropriate for academic and professional contexts, remember that it can be perceived as slightly formal in casual conversation, where alternatives like ""focus on"" may be more suitable. Its function is to specify the primary subject matter, and it's commonly found in news, scientific, and academic sources. Remembering these guidelines will help ensure effective and appropriate use of "center on" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

focus on

Emphasizes directing attention or effort towards a particular subject or goal.

revolve around

Suggests that something is central or fundamental to a topic or discussion.

concentrate on

Indicates a strong focus of attention or resources on a specific area.

hinge on

Implies that the outcome or success depends significantly on a particular element.

be predicated on

Highlights the foundational basis or assumption upon which something relies.

turn on

Indicates a shift of focus or attention towards a specific aspect.

be based on

Suggests that something is fundamentally grounded or established on a particular foundation.

dwell on

Signifies a prolonged focus or contemplation on a subject, often with a degree of persistence.

pivot on

Implies a change or adaptation that depends on a key element or point.

rest on

Suggests that something depends on or relies on a particular factor for support or validity.

FAQs

What does "center on" mean?

"Center on" means to primarily focus on or be mainly about something. It suggests that a particular topic or idea is the central point of attention or concern.

How can I use "center on" in a sentence?

You can use "center on" to indicate the main topic or focus of something. For example: "The discussion will "focus on" the impact of climate change."

What are some alternatives to "center on"?

Alternatives to "center on" include phrases like "focus on", "revolve around", and "concentrate on". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "center on" more formal than "focus on"?

Yes, "center on" tends to be slightly more formal than "focus on". While both are grammatically correct, "center on" is often preferred in academic or professional writing to convey a sense of precision and importance.