centers on

USAGE SUMMARY

"centers on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a topic or focus of something. For example: "This novel centers on a family's struggle to survive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

The event centers on those who lost loved ones.

The Guardian

The disagreement centers on total compensation.

The New York Times - Sports

Often, the cooking centers on pasta.

The New York Times

The novel centers on a murder.

The New York Times - Books

REUTERS   Gupta Trial Centers on P.&G.

The New York Times

Much of the concern centers on safety.

The New York Times

Another riddle centers on arms movement.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

My mind centered on one thing.

The New Yorker

Center, on 45th Street.

The New Yorker

Skirball Center on Sunday.

The New York Times - Arts

His speech centered on respect.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "centers on" to clearly define the primary topic or theme of a discussion, story, or analysis. This helps to establish the focus and scope for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "centers on" in contexts where a more precise verb would better convey the specific action or relationship. For example, instead of "The debate centers on money", consider "The debate concerns financial allocations" for added clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "centers on" functions as a phrasal verb. It indicates the main topic or theme that something primarily discusses or concerns. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

28%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "centers on" is a widely used and grammatically sound phrasal verb that effectively conveys the primary focus or topic of something. Ludwig AI confirms its consistent usage across diverse domains, particularly in News & Media and Science. While versatile, writers should consider more precise alternatives when aiming for enhanced specificity. The phrase enjoys a neutral register, making it suitable for both formal and informal contexts. By understanding these nuances, writers can confidently and accurately employ "centers on" in their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

focuses on

This alternative is more direct and emphasizes a deliberate act of focusing attention.

revolves around

This alternative suggests that something is a central point around which other things orbit or are organized.

is focused on

This alternative is in passive form and places emphasis on the topic being focused, rather than the act of focusing.

deals with

This alternative indicates that something addresses or discusses a particular topic or issue.

concerns itself with

This alternative suggests that something is interested in or preoccupied with a particular topic.

is about

This alternative is a simple way to describe the topic of something.

hinges on

This alternative implies that the outcome or success of something depends critically on a particular point or factor.

turns on

This alternative emphasizes a critical dependency, where everything relies on a specific aspect.

addresses

This alternative indicates that something directly deals with or discusses a topic.

pertains to

This alternative is a formal way of saying that something relates to a particular topic.

FAQs

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

Use "centers on" to indicate the main topic or focus of something. For example, "The movie "centers on" a young woman's journey of self-discovery".

What are some alternatives to "centers on"?

Alternatives include "focuses on", "revolves around", and "deals with". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "centers on" or "focuses on"?

Both phrases are correct, but ""centers on"" often implies a more intrinsic or inherent focus, while ""focuses on"" suggests a more deliberate or intentional choice of focus.

What's the difference between "centers on" and "is about"?

"Centers on" indicates a core, central theme or subject. "Is about" is more general, simply stating the topic.