that centers around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that centers around" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate the main focus or theme of a discussion, topic, or narrative. Example: "The documentary is about climate change and that centers around the impact of human activity on the environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Since Ewing's return 22 games ago, he has struggled to find a consistent groove on a team that centers around Latrell Sprewell and Allan Houston.

The New York Times - Sports

For this is a book that centers around a killing, even if lettuce, corn, soybeans and strawberries figure in the crime.

The New York Times - Arts

For example, one could envision the development of a school curriculum that centers around an empathic practice, particularly in courses such as history, social studies, literature, and political science.

The New York Times

The company creates a third-party development platform that centers around applications for teachers and students.

TechCrunch

There can be product integration, but a Web show that centers around a product probably won't go viral.

Forbes

Developers have long tried (and mostly failed) to give users a social media platform that centers around music.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Movements that center around hashtags often don't center around leaders.

The New Yorker

"I am always looking for articles, interesting quotes and things that center around my domain.

The New York Times

THAT summer I fell into a consuming maelstrom that centered around my marriage.

The New York Times

The show is divided into sections that center around photographs of houses in the Woodstock area.

The New York Times

It was a textile manufacturing town that centered around its mill.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that centers around", ensure the subject is clearly defined and the connection between the subject and what it centers around is evident to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "that centers around" when the connection between the central element and the surrounding context is unclear or weak. Ensure a strong, logical relationship is apparent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that centers around" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun or pronoun by specifying its main topic or theme. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts to indicate what something primarily concerns or revolves around.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that centers around" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate the main focus or theme of something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous real-world examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and TechCrunch. While alternatives like "that focuses on" and "that revolves around" exist, "that centers around" remains a versatile and acceptable choice across various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific writing. Ensure clarity and a strong connection between the subject and its central element for effective usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that revolves around

Uses "revolves" instead of "centers", implying a similar concept of a central focus.

that focuses on

Replaces "centers around" with "focuses on", indicating a direct concentration on the subject.

that is based on

Indicates that something is fundamentally built or relies upon a particular element.

that is concerned with

Suggests an involvement or preoccupation with a specific topic or issue.

that is themed around

Emphasizes that something has a specific unifying theme.

that is structured around

Highlights the organizational aspect of having a central element.

that has as its central theme

More explicitly states that a particular idea is the main theme.

that deals primarily with

Indicates that the main subject matter is a specific topic.

that takes as its focus

Indicates a chosen point of attention.

which prioritizes

Suggests that something is given precedence or importance.

FAQs

How can I use "that centers around" in a sentence?

Use "that centers around" to indicate the main focus or core element of something. For example, "The curriculum "that centers around an empathic practice" is designed to improve social skills".

What are some alternatives to "that centers around"?

You can use phrases like "that focuses on", "that revolves around", or "that is based on" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "that centers on" instead of "that centers around"?

Yes, "that centers on" is a grammatically correct and often more concise alternative to "that centers around". Both phrases are used to indicate the main focus or theme of something.

What's the difference between "that centers around" and "that focuses on"?

While both phrases are similar, "that centers around" suggests a broader, more encompassing relationship, while "that focuses on" implies a more direct and intentional concentration on a specific subject.