the problem centered on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the problem centered on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the main focus or issue of a discussion, analysis, or report. Example: "In our meeting, the problem centered on the lack of communication between departments."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The problem centered on high credit card fees.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Guidant, which is based in Indianapolis, said that the 18,000 patients who already have the device are safe because the problems centered on the system used to insert it and not the device itself.

The New York Times

He said the real problem centered on getting all the states to adopt the same standards in marking titles.

The New York Times

This time, the problem centers on emissions from vehicles.

The New York Times

Mr. Boks's plan to solve the problem centers on an ambitious agenda: to drastically cut the number of animals that are euthanized, and even turn the organization's five shelters into "no-kill communities" over the next five years.

The New York Times

The problem centers on the elaborate ritual of prescription drug pricing.

Forbes

The problem centers on the option plan structure that startups use.

TechCrunch

A big part of the problem centers on the option plan structure that startups use.

TechCrunch

But what if the problem centers on what you're expecting from meetings in the first place?

Forbes

The problem centers on a distribution dispute between CBS and Time Warner Cable.

Los Angeles Times

The problem centers largely on the fact that, increasingly, public facilities are being forced to care for patients who are transferred to municipal hospitals by private centers because they cannot pay.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the problem centered on" to clearly and directly state the core issue or main focus of a situation, analysis, or discussion. It helps to provide clarity and direction in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "the problem centered on" in overly casual or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "the issue was" or "it was about" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the problem centered on" functions as a connector within a sentence, introducing the core issue or subject of concern. It is typically followed by the specific aspect that is the focus of discussion or analysis, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the problem centered on" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to pinpoint the main issue or focus of a situation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for news articles, academic papers, and professional communications. While simpler alternatives exist for casual settings, this phrase offers a direct and clear way to highlight the core difficulty being addressed. Remember to consider the context and formality level when choosing this phrase to ensure your writing remains precise and appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the issue revolved around

Replaces "problem" with "issue" and "centered on" with "revolved around", slightly changing the emphasis but maintaining the core meaning.

the core issue was

Simplifies the structure to directly state the central issue, making it more concise.

the main focus was on

Replaces "problem" with "main focus", shifting the perspective from a negative to a neutral one.

the crux of the matter was

Uses a more formal and emphatic tone to highlight the essential point.

the heart of the matter was

Emphasizes the fundamental aspect of the problem.

the central question involved

Shifts the focus to a question rather than a problem, suitable when the issue is framed as an inquiry.

the primary concern was

Highlights the element of worry or anxiety related to the problem.

the key challenge addressed

Presents the problem as a challenge to be overcome, changing the connotation to a more proactive one.

the root cause was

Focuses on the origin or underlying reason for the problem, rather than the problem itself.

the fundamental difficulty was

Replaces "problem" with "fundamental difficulty", emphasizing the inherent challenge.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "the problem centered on" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives such as "the core issue was", "the crux of the matter was", or "the fundamental difficulty was". These phrases add a level of sophistication suitable for professional or academic contexts.

What are some simpler alternatives to "the problem centered on"?

Simpler alternatives include phrases like "the issue was", "it was about", or "the main focus was on". These options are suitable for more casual conversations or writing where clarity is prioritized over formality.

Is "the problem centered on" always the best choice, or are there situations where it's less appropriate?

While grammatically correct, "the problem centered on" might be too formal for casual settings. Also, ensure that "problem" accurately reflects the situation; if it's more of a challenge or question, consider alternatives like "the key challenge addressed" or "the central question involved".

What is the difference between "the problem centered on" and "the issue revolved around"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "the problem centered on" implies a more direct focus on a specific difficulty, whereas "the issue revolved around" suggests a broader discussion or debate where the focus may shift slightly.