have centered on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have centered on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the focus or main topic of discussion or analysis in a particular context. Example: "The recent studies have centered on the effects of climate change on biodiversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Swiss Re's legal arguments have centered on one of Mr. Silverstein's insurance executives, Robert Strachan, the developer's risk manager.

The New York Times

Many recent incidents involving athletes have centered on fistfights.

The New York Times - Sports

Many of his business dealings have centered on 50-50 partnerships.

The New York Times

Their demands have centered on three main issues: recruitment debt, fair wages, and worker representation.

The New Yorker

For the most part, though, Mr. Smith's reporting adventures have centered on the actions of others.

The New York Times - Style

Almost all of Mroué's performances have centered on Lebanon, and especially the civil war.

The New Yorker

The main environmental battles of his governorship have centered on air pollution.

The New York Times

Divisions have centered on sexual politics: the ordination of women bishops and gay marriage.

The New York Times

(Which is why so many of Schiano's drills have centered on a recommitment to fundamentals).

The New York Times

To date, efforts to prevent the disease in cows have centered on eliminating animal feed that contains infected animal parts.

The New York Times

In recent days, the discussion appears to have centered on a freeze of three to five years.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have centered on" when you want to emphasize that a particular topic or issue is the primary focus of discussion, analysis, or activity. For instance, "Discussions have centered on finding sustainable solutions."

Common error

While "have centered on" is useful, avoid overusing it in close proximity within your writing. Vary your language by using synonyms like "focused on", "concentrated on", or "revolved around" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have centered on" functions as a verb phrase indicating the main focus or subject of attention. It emphasizes that discussions, efforts, or analyses are primarily directed towards a specific topic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

47%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "have centered on" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate the primary focus of a subject, discussion, or analysis. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide applicability. It is commonly found in news, scientific, and business contexts, suggesting a neutral register suitable for various professional and informative settings. While effective, it's important to avoid overuse and consider synonyms like "have focused on" or "have concentrated on" for stylistic variation. By understanding its function, purpose, and usage patterns, writers can effectively employ "have centered on" to enhance clarity and emphasis in their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have focused on

This alternative is a direct synonym, replacing "centered" with "focused" to indicate the main point of attention.

have concentrated on

This alternative is another synonym, suggesting an even stronger emphasis or dedication of effort.

have revolved around

This alternative suggests that the topic is a central point around which other things are connected.

have been concerned with

This alternative implies an element of worry or interest related to the topic.

have given prominence to

This alternative indicates that something has been made particularly noticeable or important.

have directed efforts towards

This alternative focuses on the action of directing resources or energy toward a specific goal.

have paid attention to

This alternative suggests that something has been noticed and considered.

have addressed

This alternative suggests the action of discussing or dealing with an issue or problem.

have dwelled on

This alternative implies a lengthy or repetitive focus on a particular point.

have zeroed in on

This alternative indicates a precise and targeted focus on a specific element.

FAQs

How can I use "have centered on" in a sentence?

You can use "have centered on" to indicate the main focus of a discussion, study, or activity. For example, "The debate "have centered on" economic policy."

What are some alternatives to "have centered on"?

Alternatives include phrases like "have focused on", "have concentrated on", or "have revolved around", which all convey a similar meaning of primary attention or emphasis.

Is it more formal to say "have centered on" or "have focused on"?

"Have centered on" and "have focused on" are generally interchangeable in terms of formality. The choice often depends on personal preference or the specific nuance you wish to convey, though "have centered on" might be perceived as slightly more emphatic.

What's the difference between "have centered on" and "have touched on"?

"Have centered on" indicates the main subject of attention, while "have touched on" suggests a brief or superficial mention of a topic. The former implies a deep dive, while the latter implies a passing reference.