a lapse of concentration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a lapse of concentration" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is typically used when one has become distracted or has momentarily lost focus on something. Example sentence: I made a mistake on the math test due to a lapse of concentration.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

It had an undistinguished ending, the product of overconfidence or a lapse of concentration.

The Guardian - Sport

David Hussey could have been forgiven a lapse of concentration on his return to Nottinghamshire's championship side.

The Guardian - Sport

A lapse of concentration saw Hamilton plough into the back of Raikkonen and they were both out on the spot.

The Guardian - Sport

Just as against City recently, a second-half revival went undone at the last by a lapse of concentration.

The Guardian - Sport

Zaha's night had begun badly, a lapse of concentration by him in the 13th minute gifting Brighton their first clear sight of goal.

The Guardian - Sport

For example, were those who got particularly far the same users how only took a few attempts and why did people fail – was it a lapse of concentration or just boredom?

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

A lapse of reportorial concentration?

Huffington Post

(In court, she blamed a "momentary lapse of concentration," adding, with a flash of her old pride, that it was not in her "temperament or breeding" to shoplift).

The New Yorker

A momentary lapse of concentration can find drivers moving at a comfortable 65 to 70 miles per hour on an otherwise fine stretch of roadway when suddenly they are confronted with a sharp curve such as we are dealing with here, providing the same thrill you might get aboard the Cyclone on Coney Island -- albeit with significantly higher stakes.

The New York Times

Everton had in effect lulled Brighton into a false sense of security, the visitors paying the price for a momentary lapse of concentration in defence.

The Guardian - Sport

Despite largely restricting their hosts, a momentary lapse of concentration from Kyle Walker's free-kick enabled Adebayor to score his sixth league goal since Villas-Boas's departure.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use “a lapse of concentration” to explain a sudden, short-term inability to maintain focus. This specificity adds clarity.

Common error

While "a lapse of concentration" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in highly formal or academic writing. More precise terms like "cognitive disengagement" or "attentional shift" may be more suitable depending on context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a lapse of concentration" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an event or occurrence where focus is temporarily lost. Ludwig provides several examples of its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Sport

32%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a lapse of concentration" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a temporary failure to focus. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Predominantly found in News & Media and Sport contexts, it serves to explain errors or negative outcomes. While acceptable in various writing styles, more formal alternatives may be preferable in academic settings. Remember to use it when referring to a short-term inability to maintain focus for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a momentary distraction

Focuses on the brief nature of the loss of focus.

a temporary inattention

Highlights the temporary state of not paying attention.

a passing loss of focus

Emphasizes the transient nature of the inability to concentrate.

a brief lack of focus

Simply states a short absence of focus.

a slip in attentiveness

Implies a slight error in being attentive.

a fleeting distraction

Focuses on the quickly disappearing nature of the distraction.

a transient loss of awareness

Highlights the temporary lack of awareness.

a momentary mental blank

Emphasizes the mental state of having a temporary void.

a passing oversight

Suggests a temporary failure to notice something important.

a short period of mind wandering

Describes the act of the mind drifting away briefly.

FAQs

How can I use "a lapse of concentration" in a sentence?

You can use "a lapse of concentration" to describe a momentary failure to focus, as in "The error was due to "a lapse of concentration" during a crucial moment".

What's a more formal way to say "a lapse of concentration"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "cognitive disengagement" or "attentional shift" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What are common causes of "a lapse of concentration"?

Common causes include fatigue, stress, distractions, or lack of interest in the task at hand. Identifying the cause can help prevent future "a lapse of concentration".

What's the difference between "a lapse of concentration" and "a lack of focus"?

"A lapse of concentration" implies a momentary and temporary failure to focus, while "a lack of focus" suggests a more general or persistent inability to concentrate.