is at the center of

USAGE SUMMARY

"is at the center of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English, particularly when describing something that is the main focus or most important aspect of a situation or topic.
Example: Education is at the center of any successful society.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pakistan is at the center of it.

The New York Times

Marion is at the center of S.N.

The New York Times

"And 'Obamacare' is at the center of it".

The New York Times

Ms. Link is at the center of the dispute.

The New York Times

Change, physical and otherwise, is at the center of "Hir".

The New Yorker

Seattle is at the center of this experiment.

The New York Times

Hewitt is at the center of this effort.

The New Yorker

Turkey is at the center of the plate, of course.

The New York Times - Magazine

Wenger is at the center of the scrutiny.

The New York Times - Sports

"Europe is at the center of the global aviation world.

The New York Times

China is at the center of the growth.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is at the center of", ensure that the surrounding sentences provide context, elaborating on why the subject holds such a pivotal position. This helps to clarify the significance of the central element to your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "is at the center of" with overly broad or vague subjects that lack specific meaning. For example, stating 'Life is at the center of everything' is too general. Instead, focus on tangible subjects like 'Education is at the center of personal development' to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is at the center of" functions as a predicative expression, positioning the subject as the most important or focal point. Ludwig examples show it connects a subject to its core significance or primary concern, aligning with Ludwig AI's assessment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is at the center of" is a versatile phrase used to highlight the core element or primary focus within various contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English. Predominantly found in news, scientific, and business sources, its purpose is to emphasize importance or centrality. While alternatives like "is central to" or "is the focus of" exist, "is at the center of" effectively conveys the idea of essential significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is central to

This alternative uses a simpler adjective to convey the same meaning of being essential or crucial.

is the focus of

This alternative emphasizes that something receives primary attention or concentration.

is key to

This alternative highlights the importance of something as a determining factor.

is the heart of

This alternative uses a metaphor to suggest that something is the core or essence.

revolves around

This alternative indicates that everything else is organized or oriented in relation to something.

is fundamental to

This alternative stresses the foundational nature of something.

is the mainspring of

This alternative suggests that something is the driving force or primary motivator.

is paramount to

This alternative suggests that something is of the highest importance.

is pivotal to

This alternative emphasizes the critical role of something in causing a significant change or outcome.

is the nucleus of

This alternative draws a parallel to the central part of an atom, emphasizing its fundamental role.

FAQs

How can I use "is at the center of" in a sentence?

Use "is at the center of" to highlight the core element or focal point in a particular context. For instance, "Innovation is at the center of their business strategy" emphasizes the importance of innovation.

What are some alternatives to "is at the center of"?

Alternatives include "is central to", "is the focus of", or "is key to", which all emphasize importance or centrality.

Is it better to say "is at the center of" or "is in the center of"?

"Is at the center of" generally refers to importance or focus, while "is in the center of" usually indicates a physical location. The best choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "is at the center of" and "is the focus of"?

"Is at the center of" implies that something is essential or foundational, while "is the focus of" suggests that something is receiving the most attention. The nuance lies in whether you're emphasizing inherent importance or current attention.