is at the centre of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is at the centre of" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something lies at the heart or middle of a particular situation or topic. For example: "The theme of family unity is at the centre of the play 'Our Town' by Thornton Wilder."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is at the centre of it.

The Guardian

Armani is at the centre of this.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Dunkel is at the centre of this.

The Guardian - Travel

That is at the centre of the issue.

The Guardian - Opinion

Richard McKerrow is at the centre of a storm.

The Guardian

The budget is at the centre of development.

The Guardian

And Kocher is at the centre of it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Rent is at the centre of it all.

The Guardian - Opinion

Somalia is at the centre of the unfolding crisis.

The Guardian

The United Kingdom is at the centre of these decisions".

The Guardian - Business

"Conflict is at the centre of stories that are sustained.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is at the centre of" when you want to emphasize the central role or importance of something in a particular context or situation. It effectively highlights the core element or focal point.

Common error

Avoid using "is at the centre of" to describe elements that are merely related or tangential to the main topic. Ensure the element truly plays a crucial and central role to justify the phrase's strong emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is at the centre of" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that something is the central or most important aspect of a particular situation, topic, or idea. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

13%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Opinion

2%

Lifestyle

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is at the centre of" is a versatile and commonly used prepositional phrase that highlights the central importance of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and can be used across various contexts, although it's most frequently found in news and media. Remember to use it when you truly want to emphasize the core element, and be mindful of the spelling (centre vs. center) based on your target audience. Consider alternatives like "is central to" or "revolves around" for subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is central to

Focuses on the importance of something to a greater whole.

is key to

Highlights the importance as a means to an end or solution.

is fundamental to

Emphasizes the foundational nature of something.

revolves around

Suggests something is the main focus or subject of discussion.

is pivotal to

Highlights the critical and decisive nature of something.

is the focus of

Emphasizes that something is the main point of attention.

is the heart of

Conveys that something is the emotional or essential core.

is located centrally within

Highlights the location of something in the middle of something else.

is deeply involved in

Emphasizes strong participation in something.

is a core component of

Emphasizes that something is a critical element of a larger entity.

FAQs

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

You can use "is at the centre of" to emphasize the core or focal point of a topic, argument, or situation. For example, "The customer experience "is at the centre of" our business strategy".

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

Some alternatives include "is central to", "is key to", or "revolves around". Each has a slightly different nuance, so choose the one that best fits your intended meaning.

Is it better to use "is at the centre of" or "is at the center of"?

"Is at the centre of" is the British English spelling, while "is at the center of" is the American English spelling. Both are correct, but choose the spelling that aligns with your target audience and the overall style of your writing.

What's the difference between "is at the centre of" and "is important to"?

"Is at the centre of" implies a core or focal point, while "is important to" simply indicates significance. The first suggests something is integral, while the second just means it matters. The best choice depends on the intended degree of emphasis and relationship to the subject.