center on something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "center on something" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a discussion, activity, or focus is primarily about a specific topic or subject. Example: "The conference will center on the latest advancements in renewable energy technologies."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Brown sisters' is one small shop in a multibillion-dollar industry, centered on something that is both a point of pride and a political flash point for black women: their hair.

The New York Times

You don't have to study geometry to know that the "center" of something can't be on its far right.

Huffington Post

Atamanuik, with his pitch-perfect Trump impression, is at the center of something unlike anything else on TV: a comic send-up that imagines the now president and former "Apprentice" star hosting another TV show, this one a weekly late-night series in which he holds court with the American people directly from the Oval Office.

Huffington Post

But this dispute centers on something different: water.

The Washington Post

In fact, Rosalind's research predilections centered on something very beautiful, the idea of a crystal.

The New Yorker

But lately, his thoughts have been centered on something more cerebral: the poetry of E. E. Cummings.

The New York Times

It usually centers on something ghastly befalling her younger sibling, nicknamed Chicken Soup Andy Schneeflockk).

The New York Times

The initial American interest in Libya centered on something else: a former Italian and Luftwaffe air field now known as Mitiga International Airport, located just outside Tripoli, the capital.

The New York Times

Q: Your explanation centers on something different: the desire of Jews to defend the separation of religious identity and membership in the state.

The Washington Post

Unlike the dot-com companies at the heart of the last speculative investment bubble, the new gold rush was centered on something that seemed unimpeachably solid — the American home.

The New York Times

Suspicion centered on something resembling liver on a kebab in the restaurant at the Qasr al-Sultan Hotel, where I was staying with a Western photographer and four Iraqis: two drivers, a local fixer named Fakher Haider who set up interviews and did some translating, and a guy with a pistol jammed into his trousers who was there to look after me.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "center on something" to clearly define the primary topic or subject of a discussion, activity, or piece of writing. This helps to maintain focus and ensure clarity for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "center on something" when you mean to indicate a minor or peripheral aspect. This phrase is best reserved for the core element around which everything else revolves.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "center on something" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as a verb complement to describe the main point, topic, or focus. Despite being correct, Ludwig's examples are not sufficient to define a specific context of usage.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "center on something" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate the primary focus or topic of something. Ludwig provides an analysis confirming its correctness, but the phrase's frequency is currently classified as missing due to the lack of clear instances in Ludwig's database. When writing, be sure to reserve this phrase for describing the main topic to avoid confusing the readers. While semantically valid alternatives like ""focus on something"" or ""revolve around something"" can be used for a more versatile writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

focus on something

Replaces "center" with "focus", implying a concentration of attention or effort.

revolve around something

Suggests that something is the main point around which everything else is organized.

concentrate on something

Similar to "focus on", but can also imply a more intense or deliberate effort.

be based on something

Indicates that something is founded or reliant on a particular element.

hinge on something

Implies that the outcome or success depends on a particular thing.

turn on something

Similar to 'hinge on something', emphasizing dependency for progression or functionality.

be predicated on something

Suggests that an argument or action is based on an assumption or condition.

be concerned with something

Implies a focus on or worry about a specific matter.

deal with something

Indicates the handling or addressing of a particular issue or subject.

pertain to something

Suggests a relevance or connection to a specific topic.

FAQs

What does "center on something" mean?

The phrase "center on something" means to primarily focus on or revolve around a specific topic or subject. It indicates that the main emphasis or attention is directed towards that particular thing.

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

You can use "center on something" to indicate the main subject of a discussion, activity, or piece of writing. For example, "The debate will "focus on something" controversial" or "The project will "revolve around something" innovative".

What can I say instead of "center on something"?

You can use alternatives like ""focus on something"", ""revolve around something"", or "concentrate on something" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "centered around something"?

While "centered around something" is commonly used, some consider it less precise than "centered on something". Both phrases indicate a main topic, but "centered on" is often preferred in more formal contexts.