to be centered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be centered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the positioning or focus of an object, idea, or theme in various contexts, such as art, design, or personal development. Example: "In this artwork, the main subject is designed to be centered, drawing the viewer's attention immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"You know, it's supposed to be centered, obviously," Manning said.

The New York Times - Sports

"The entire discussion has to be centered on controlling or reducing costs".

The New York Times - Health

It's a commonplace to consider the documentary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman's films to be centered on the lives of institutions and those of the Maysleses to be centered on the lives of people, but "Gimme Shelter" does both.

The New Yorker

Mead's article provides an example of dementia care as it ought to be: centered on a person's needs and abilities.

The New Yorker

The direct-selling model does not have to be centered around where there is heavy retail infrastructure, either.

The New York Times

With forty-one days to go, the election still seems to be centered more on representation than on ideology.

The New Yorker

"The shows that just happened to be the best this year happened to be centered around women".

The New York Times - Arts

Coke announced last week a social media component to its Super Bowl campaign to be centered on Facebook.

The New York Times

The joke of the election results was supposed to be centered on Trump's final, Dickensian comeuppance, but that, of course, was not so.

The New Yorker

Some victims' relatives want the memorial to be centered on the spots where the twin towers stood, known as the footprints.

The New York Times

Congress would agree to assume the debt burden of the states, easing the creation of a strong economy, soon to be centered in nearby Wall Street.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be centered" when you want to emphasize the importance of something being in a balanced or focal position, either literally or figuratively. For example, "The discussion needs "to be centered" around real solutions".

Common error

Avoid using "to be centered" when an active verb is more appropriate. Instead of saying "The team needs "to be centered" by the coach", consider "The coach needs to center the team".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be centered" primarily functions as part of an infinitive phrase, often used with auxiliary verbs to describe a state or desired condition. It indicates that something should be the main focus, in a balanced or aligned position, as supported by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be centered" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to convey the idea of focus, balance, or primary importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is applicable across a range of contexts, including news, science, and general writing. Its frequent use and the variety of sources demonstrate its broad acceptance and utility in both formal and informal communication. When writing, ensure "to be centered" accurately reflects the intended meaning of alignment or focus, and consider alternatives like "to be focused" or "to be central" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be central

Stresses the importance of being in the middle or most important place.

to be focused

Indicates a concentration of attention or effort, shifting the emphasis from physical placement to mental focus.

to be aligned

Emphasizes proper arrangement or agreement, suggesting a harmonious relationship with something else.

to be grounded

Highlights stability and a firm foundation, implying a sense of balance and reality.

to be anchored

Suggests being firmly attached or secured, providing a sense of stability and direction.

to be pivotal

Highlights the importance of being a crucial or central element, indicating significance.

to be core

Indicates being a fundamental or essential part, focusing on the intrinsic importance.

to be concentrated

Highlights a concentration of effort or resources, emphasizing intensity and focus.

to be directed

Implies a specific path or goal, emphasizing the channeling of energy or resources.

to be settled

Conveys a sense of calmness and resolution, suggesting a state of peaceful stability.

FAQs

How can I use "to be centered" in a sentence?

You can use "to be centered" to describe the focal point of something, like "The new marketing campaign is going "to be centered" around social media" or to describe a state of personal focus, like "It's important "to be centered" before making a big decision".

What's a good alternative to "to be centered"?

Alternatives to "to be centered" include "to be focused", "to be central", or "to be aligned" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "to be centered"?

It is appropriate to use "to be centered" when discussing alignment, balance, or focus, whether in a physical sense (e.g., an object's position) or a metaphorical sense (e.g., the main topic of a discussion).

Is "to be centered" formal or informal language?

"To be centered" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its usage is determined by the surrounding language and the overall tone of the communication.