What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
center
Example
Please center the picture on the wall. [center: verb]
Example
The text should be centered on the page. [centered: past tense]
align
Example
Please align the chairs in a row. [align: verb]
Example
The text should be aligned with the left margin. [aligned: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Align is more commonly used than center in everyday language. Align is versatile and can be used in various contexts, such as organization, design, and formatting. On the other hand, center is less common and is typically used in specific contexts where placing something in the middle or at the midpoint is important.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between center and align?
While center is generally associated with a casual and informal tone, align can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Align is often used in professional settings where precision and accuracy are important.