was centered on

USAGE SUMMARY

"was centered on" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It typically means that something or someone was the main focus or subject of the sentence or discussion. Example: The conference was centered on the future of technology and its impact on society.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Much of Monday's discussion was centered on one room inhabited by an elderly hoarder.

Los Angeles Times

A green-and-gold Bentley logo was centered on one jump.

Los Angeles Times

The window was centered on the present segment and moved one segment at a time.

Plosone

It was centered on the transfer of molecular order from one macromolecule to the other.

SEP

Her own career was centered on identity.

The New Yorker

The mystery was centered on Starks again.

The New York Times - Sports

The rebuilding was centered on improving the defensive line.

The New York Times - Sports

The main misogynistic awfulness was centered on the workplace.

The New Yorker

Still, much of the outrage was centered on office renovations.

The New York Times

My life was centered on writing and literature — in English.

The New York Times

Another Super Bowl spot, for Bud Light, was centered on the comedian Carlos Mencia.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was centered on", ensure the subject truly represents the core focus of the discussion or action. Avoid using it loosely for minor or tangential aspects.

Common error

Avoid using "was centered on" when the topic is only a small part of something else; reserve it for situations where the topic is the main subject. For example, instead of saying "The report was centered on several minor issues", consider "The report touched upon several minor issues".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was centered on" functions as a stative verb phrase, indicating that a particular topic or subject served as the primary focus or emphasis of something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

40%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was centered on" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote the main focus or subject of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is widely accepted in written English across various domains. Its usage spans from news and media to scientific and academic writing, indicating its versatility and applicability in different contexts. While alternatives like "focused on" or "revolved around" exist, "was centered on" effectively conveys the idea that something held primary importance. When using this phrase, ensure the subject is indeed the central theme to avoid misrepresenting the topic's significance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

focused on

This is a direct synonym, emphasizing the concentration of attention or effort.

concentrated on

Similar to "focused on", but implies a more intense level of attention.

revolved around

This alternative suggests that something turned or depended on a specific point, similar to being the main focus.

hinged on

Suggests that the outcome or success depended on a specific element.

rested on

Highlights the fact that the entire weight of something was sustained.

turned on

Indicates that something depended or relied on a specific thing.

predicated on

This alternative means that something was affirmed or depended on.

was predicated upon

Emphasizes that a statement, belief, or idea is based on something.

dwelt on

Implies a prolonged or repetitive focus on a particular subject.

reposed on

This alternative highlights the subject on which someone has put its faith.

FAQs

How can I use "was centered on" in a sentence?

Use "was centered on" to indicate the main focus or subject of something. For example, "The discussion "was centered on" the new marketing strategy".

What are some alternatives to "was centered on"?

You can use alternatives like "focused on", "revolved around", or "concentrated on" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "was centered on" or "focused on"?

Both ""was centered on"" and "focused on" are correct, but "focused on" is more direct and frequently used. "Was centered on" can imply a more deliberate or planned emphasis.

What's the difference between "was centered on" and "based on"?

"Was centered on" indicates the main topic, while "based on" means something is founded or relies upon something else. For instance, a movie can be centered on a historical event but based on a true story.