What does the phrasal verb “centre around” mean?

What are the definitions of “centre around”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. To focus or revolve around something.

  The celebrations will all centre around the church.

• 2. To focus or revolve around.

  The debate centred around the issue of finance.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “centre around”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb centre around is to focus or revolve around something. It means that something is the main point of interest or the main topic in a situation or discussion.

What are the different verb forms of “centre around”?

Root Verb	centre around
Third Person Singular Present	centres around
Present Participle	centring around
Simple Past	centred around
Past Participle	centred around

Example

The party will centre around the birthday girl.

Example

The discussion centres around the new policy.

Example

The event is centring around the theme of sustainability.

Example

The conference centred around the latest technology trends.

Example

The meeting had centred around the budget proposal.

What kind of phrasal verb is “centre around”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Intransitive verb

“centre around” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.

Example

The conversation centred around the recent election.

Example

The festival centred around local culture and traditions.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“centre around” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

The conversation centred around the recent election.

Example

The festival centred around local culture and traditions.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “centre around”?

Centre around a person

To focus on a specific person as the main point of interest or topic.

Example

The surprise party centred around the guest of honor.

Centre around a topic

To focus on a specific topic as the main point of interest or discussion.

Example

The conference centred around the challenges of climate change.

Centre around an event

To focus on a specific event as the main point of interest or activity.

Example

The community gathering centred around the annual parade.

Good things to know

Does “centre around” have an informal or formal tone?

Centre around is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is appropriate for use in everyday conversations, academic discussions, and professional settings.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “centre around”?

Synonyms

• focus on
• revolve around
• concentrate on
• be concerned with
• base on
• pivot around
• hinge on

Antonyms

• ignore
• neglect
• overlook
• disregard
• exclude
• sideline