crystallized around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crystallized around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the process of ideas, concepts, or themes becoming clear and well-defined, often in a specific context or around a central idea. Example: "The discussion crystallized around the need for better communication within the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

In Brussels, frustration at the way the markets have behaved has crystallized around the credit rating agencies, which have, on several occasions, downgraded countries in advance of key E.U. meetings.

The New York Times

The great maritime civilization of Crete crystallized around palaces such as those at Knossos, Phaestus, Ayía Triáda, Mallia, and Tylissos.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The differences have crystallized around the Episcopal Church's consent in 2003 to the consecration of the church's first openly gay bishop, V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire.

The New York Times

The consensus that seems to have crystallized around the issue — one that includes pretty much everyone but the city's teachers' union — is disturbing.

The New Yorker

The public mood of disillusion crystallized around the spring of 1968, when Pres. Johnson decided to limit the bombing & not run again.

The New Yorker

As Godard's interests crystallized around politics, he lost confidence and interest in his movie career, and planned to abandon the industry in favor of militant films made independently.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Water vapor crystallizes around this nucleus, typically clay, and temperature and humidity determine growth.

The New York Times - Travel

For me, the true pathos of the story lies in the family dramas that would invariably crystallize around each of the baby Pushkins.

The New Yorker

"Either people are strong enough to walk away, or they crystallize around the genius and suffer one or two generations of destruction," she said.

The New York Times - Books

Folk status may crystallize around objects that were once ordinary products of cottage industries but have since become obsolete — exotically old-fashioned.

The New Yorker

The popular uprising, made up of independent, liberal, and leftist forces in addition to Islamists, has yet to crystallize around leaders who can persuade the military establishment that the transition of power would be smooth and peaceful.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a gradual development or evolution of an idea or movement, consider using "crystallized around" to highlight the point at which it becomes clearly defined and focused. For instance, "The artistic movement crystallized around a rejection of traditional forms."

Common error

While "crystallized around" is a valid phrase, overuse can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your vocabulary by using alternatives such as "centered on", "focused on", or "revolved around" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "crystallized around" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating that something abstract (like ideas, concerns, or movements) has become definite, focused, and centered on a particular issue or point. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showcasing examples where abstract concepts solidify around a focal point.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "crystallized around" effectively conveys how abstract concepts and widespread sentiments coalesce and focus on a specific issue or event. As verified by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and common across diverse writing styles, but mostly suited for News & Media, Science and Encyclopedias. To maintain variety, consider using synonyms such as "centered on", "focused on", or "revolved around" to enhance readability and avoid repetition. It is important to note that, the word is correct, so use this expression with confidence!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

centered on

Implies a focus or concentration on a specific subject or theme, differing in its directness.

focused on

Suggests a deliberate direction of attention towards a particular issue or topic, a slightly more active framing.

revolved around

Emphasizes the idea of something continuously circling or depending on a central element, adding a sense of ongoing activity.

coalesced around

Highlights the gathering or merging of elements to form a unified entity, suggesting a process of combination.

developed around

Indicates a gradual growth or evolution centered on a core aspect, pointing to a process of expansion.

formed around

Denotes the creation or structuring of something with a specific focal point, emphasizing construction.

gravitated toward

Suggests a natural movement or attraction towards a central point, indicating inherent pull or influence.

hinged on

Implies that the outcome or significance is crucially dependent on a particular element, conveying critical importance.

converged on

Highlights the coming together of different elements towards a shared objective, emphasizing unification.

gathered about

Suggests a collection or grouping around a central figure or idea, indicating accumulation.

FAQs

How can I use "crystallized around" in a sentence?

You can use "crystallized around" to describe how opinions, ideas, or movements become clearly defined and focused on a particular issue. For example, "The debate crystallized around the proposed environmental regulations."

What can I say instead of "crystallized around"?

You can use alternatives like "centered on", "focused on", or "revolved around" depending on the context.

Is "crystallized around" formal or informal?

"Crystallized around" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing to ensure it fits appropriately. In more casual settings, a simpler phrase like "focused on" might be preferable.

What does "crystallized around" mean?

"Crystallized around" means that something became clear, definite, and focused on a specific point or issue. It suggests that a previously vague or dispersed concept has taken a concrete form around a central element.