a certain focus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a certain focus" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific or particular emphasis or concentration on a subject or topic. Example: "In her presentation, she maintained a certain focus on the environmental impacts of urban development."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

My virtual employment history lacks, some might say, a certain focus.

The New Yorker

In order to maintain a certain focus, you have to have your teammates behind you, no matter what.

The New York Times - Sports

And Henderson has already begun stressing to his young defense the importance of a certain focus and attitude.

The New York Times - Sports

I'm looking for energy from our players on Sunday and beyond, for enthusiasm and a certain focus and will, and a total concentration and team effort.

The New York Times - Sports

Research has suggested that persistence with a certain focus (or strategy) can be detrimental (Audia et al. 2000).

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Cartography, or "the science or practice of drawing maps", has of course been developed as a way of observing, describing and modelling material territories, with a certain focus (e.g. topographic, political, demographic) and based on some form of projection system (see e.g. Thrower 2008).

Functional Linguistics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

However, under a situation where a high DR transmission is required on a certain focused area, an LED transmitter with a circular emission is preferred.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Many of the Buddhist teachers I interviewed were enthusiastic Obama supporters, seeing in him a certain balance, focus, and ability to create reconciliation.

Huffington Post

The only romantic comedy roles for women of a certain age focus on the novelty of someone still finding a woman over 50 to be desirable, as if someone ought to call Ripley's Believe It or Not.

Huffington Post

If you want to impress him with a certain skill, focus on that area.

WikiHow

If you're really good at a certain style, focus on finding students wanting to learn that style.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure that the context clearly defines what that specific area of focus is to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a certain focus" as a placeholder for a more specific description. Replace it with concrete details about the subject of attention to provide clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a certain focus" functions as a noun phrase, where "certain" modifies the noun "focus". It denotes a particular or specific area of concentration or emphasis. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Sports

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a certain focus" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that signifies a specific area of concentration or emphasis. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various writing contexts, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure clarity by explicitly defining the area of focus to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "a specific direction" or "a particular emphasis" can enhance precision, but being more specific strengthens writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a specific direction

Replaces "focus" with "direction", emphasizing the path or aim being followed.

a particular emphasis

Substitutes "focus" with "emphasis", highlighting the importance given to something.

a defined concentration

Uses "concentration" instead of "focus", stressing the act of focusing intently.

a deliberate orientation

Replaces "focus" with "orientation", suggesting a conscious positioning towards something.

a distinct leaning

Emphasizes a tendency or inclination towards a specific area or idea.

a targeted approach

Focuses on the method being used to achieve a specific goal.

a dedicated effort

Highlights the commitment and energy put into a specific endeavor.

a keen interest

Emphasizes a strong curiosity or enthusiasm for a specific subject.

a sharp perspective

Highlights a clear and defined viewpoint on a particular subject.

a singular objective

Focuses on having one clear goal or aim.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a certain focus" in a sentence?

Use "a certain focus" to highlight a specific area of concentration. For example, "The research maintained "a certain focus" on renewable energy sources."

What are some alternatives to "a certain focus"?

You can use alternatives like "a specific direction", "a particular emphasis", or "a defined concentration" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to be specific instead of using "a certain focus"?

While "a certain focus" is acceptable, being more specific often strengthens your writing. Instead of saying "the project required "a certain focus"", consider stating what the focus was: "the project required a focus on budget management".

Can "a certain focus" be used in both formal and informal writing?

"A certain focus" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in formal writing, ensure the focus is clearly defined. In informal writing, the context might provide sufficient clarity.