a change of focus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a change of focus" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe when a person or group shifts their attention to a different issue or topic. For example: The meeting concluded with a change of focus from the budget to next year's strategy.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

"It's not so much a change of attitude as a change of focus," Trott says.

The Guardian - Sport

Obviously a change of focus for one's activities requires input from other, more important personages.

Princeton University

A potential sale may also reflect a change of focus, with the launch on New Year's Day of UTV Ireland.

The Guardian

"Since 9/11, there has been a change of focus toward doing things in America," she said.

The New York Times

The ideologists of the protest movement believe it needs not just a change of format, but a change of focus.

The Economist

If there has been a change of focus after Thursday night, it is directed at avoiding complacency.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

But his PhD marked a change of direction: His project focused on metabolic engineering and "was industry oriented".

Science Magazine

These new field studies reflected and accelerated a change of theoretical focus from the evolutionary and historical interests of the 19th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Since the late 1980s, there has been a change of research focus regarding piece rates and their effects on health and safety.

Applied Ergonomics

There are also courses that aimed at helping teachers cope with a change of curricular focus.

Asia-Pacific Science Education

He scored from the driving maul that began with a clever change of focus after a lineout won by Michael Broadhurst.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a change of focus" to clearly signal a deliberate shift in attention or priorities within a discussion or plan. For example, "After reviewing the sales figures, there was a change of focus to customer retention strategies."

Common error

Avoid using "a change of focus" excessively in a single document. Vary your language by using synonyms like "shift in priorities" or "redirection of attention" to maintain reader engagement and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a change of focus" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It denotes an alteration or shift in attention, emphasis, or direction. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is commonly used to indicate a deliberate redirection of effort or perspective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a change of focus" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate a shift in attention, priorities, or strategy. Ludwig confirms its widespread use across diverse contexts, including news, science, and business. While versatile, it's important to vary your language to avoid redundancy. Consider using synonyms like "shift in priorities" or "redirection of attention" to enhance clarity and maintain reader engagement. The phrase is suitable for both formal and informal communication, making it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a shift in priorities

Indicates a re-ordering of importance, implying that some things are now considered more crucial than others.

a redirection of attention

Suggests that attention is being actively moved from one thing to another.

a reorientation

Implies a fundamental change in the way something is approached or understood.

a new emphasis

Highlights that something is being given more importance than before.

an altered perspective

Signifies a change in the viewpoint or understanding of a situation.

a different tack

Suggests adopting a new method or strategy to achieve a goal.

a modified approach

Implies that the method used to address something has been adjusted or changed.

a revised strategy

Indicates that a plan has been reworked and updated.

a turnaround

Implies a complete reversal of a situation or direction.

a course correction

Suggests a minor adjustment to keep something on the right path.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a change of focus" in a sentence?

Use "a change of focus" to indicate a deliberate shift in attention or priorities. For example, "The company announced "a change of focus" from product development to marketing".

What are some alternatives to "a change of focus"?

You can use alternatives like "a shift in priorities", "a redirection of attention", or "a reorientation" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "a change in focus" or "a change of focus"?

Both "a change in focus" and "a change of focus" are grammatically correct, but "a change of focus" is generally more common and idiomatic.

In what situations is "a change of focus" most appropriate?

"A change of focus" is suitable in situations where there is a deliberate shift in attention, strategy, or priorities, such as in business, project management, or personal development.