ENGLISH
REFERENCE

in the centre

prep. phr..
A1 Beginner Oxford

prep. phr.. In the middle part of a place or area. It's the point that is equally far from all the edges.

prep. phr.. A prepositional phrase indicating the central point or area within a defined space, functioning as an adverbial of place.


SIMPLE

The monument is in the centre of the square.

CONTEXTUAL

We put the new sofa right in the centre of the living room to make it the focus.

COMPLEX

A single, ancient oak tree stood resolutely in the centre of the field, its branches reaching out like a silent guardian.

Usage

Often followed by 'of + [a place]'. The spelling 'center' is American English; 'centre' is British English.

Teaching tip

Contrast with 'in the middle of', which can also refer to being busy with an activity (e.g., 'in the middle of cooking'), whereas 'in the centre' is almost exclusively spatial.

Pitfall

The statue is in centre of the park.The statue is in the centre of the park.The definite article 'the' is required before 'centre' in this fixed phrase.

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