taking center stage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "taking center stage" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone or something is the main focus or is receiving the most attention in a particular situation. Example: "During the conference, the new technology took center stage, captivating the audience with its innovative features."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

College football bowl games are taking center stage.

The New York Times

These days, few would accuse Senator Schumer of being so reluctant about taking center stage.

The New York Times

"This is kind of intimidating," he confessed a few minutes before taking center stage.

The New York Times - Science

Instead of taking center stage, they somehow manage to become the stage.

The New York Times

From here on, it would be Hillary Clinton's ambitions taking center stage, and Bill Clinton offering back-up support.

The Guardian

One of these is contained in an eye-opening section on initiatives like cap and trade, with a damning Enron memo taking center stage.

The New York Times

Proposition B's impact on city employees' health care costs is taking center stage as voters prepare to cast their ballots on Nov. 2.

The New York Times

Amid a season in which casting issues are taking center stage, what better way to engage the spectator than making him or her the star?

The New York Times - Arts

(The book ends in 1982 because that's when Hockney had a seminal exhibition at L.A. Louver in Venice, Calif., with the pool, and photography, taking "center stage").

The New York Times - Books

The work is episodic, with each of the five taking center stage at various points, but the gorgeous Ms. Mohn dominates as hostess.

The New York Times - Arts

Now, after years of ceding the spotlight, Ms. Gibson is finally taking center stage in "The Dance Scene," a new E! reality show following her life and work.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "taking center stage" when you want to emphasize that something or someone is becoming the primary focus of attention or importance in a specific context.

Common error

Avoid using "taking center stage" when the subject is already established as the main focus. The phrase implies a shift or emergence into prominence, not a continuous state.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "taking center stage" functions as a verb phrase indicating a shift in focus or importance. As Ludwig AI explains, it signifies that something or someone is becoming the primary point of attention. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

12%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "taking center stage" is a versatile and frequently used expression that describes a shift in focus towards something becoming more prominent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely accepted. Its usage spans across various contexts, from News & Media to Science, and can be considered appropriate for neutral registers. While alternatives like "becoming the focus" or "gaining prominence" exist, "taking center stage" effectively communicates the idea of emerging into a position of heightened attention. When using the phrase, ensure that the subject is genuinely experiencing a shift in focus, rather than already being established as the main point.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becoming the focus

Highlights the shift of attention towards something.

gaining prominence

Emphasizes the increase in importance or visibility.

attracting attention

Focuses on the act of drawing notice.

stepping into the limelight

Implies a sudden and often public entrance into a position of focus.

becoming the main attraction

Highlights being the most interesting or important element.

assuming a leading role

Indicates taking on a primary or dominant part.

rising to the forefront

Suggests moving to a position of greater visibility or importance.

grabbing the spotlight

Implies actively capturing attention.

taking precedence

Emphasizes being prioritized over other things.

coming to the fore

Suggests emerging into prominence or visibility.

FAQs

How can I use "taking center stage" in a sentence?

You can use "taking center stage" to indicate that someone or something is becoming the main focus or is receiving the most attention. For example, "During the conference, the new technology was "becoming the focus", "gaining prominence" by captivating the audience with its innovative features".

What are some alternatives to "taking center stage"?

You can use alternatives like ""becoming the focus"", ""gaining prominence"", or "attracting attention" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "taking center stage" in formal writing?

Yes, "taking center stage" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing a shift in focus or the emergence of something significant. The level of formality depends on the surrounding vocabulary and tone.

What's the difference between "taking center stage" and "stealing the show"?

"Taking center stage" implies a natural or expected shift in focus, while "stealing the show" suggests unexpectedly outperforming others or diverting attention in a competitive or surprising manner.