a long focus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a long focus" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to photography, optics, or discussions about attention and concentration over an extended period. Example: "The photographer used a long focus lens to capture the intricate details of the distant landscape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Spielberg used a long focus lens to make it appear the actors were closer to the propeller than they really were.

Wikipedia

The fact that veterinary pathologists generally agree on neoplastic terms reflects a long focus on cancer in animal studies.

Environmental Health Perspectives

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

I give him a long focused massage.

Huffington Post

A long-focus lens covers a smaller angle.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While serving as director (1905 20) of the Allegheny Observatory, Pittsburgh, Schlesinger obtained a long-focus refracting telescope especially designed for parallax determinations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A long-focus lens forms a larger image of a distant object, while a short-focus lens forms a small image.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At one extreme of the Mixpak spectrum is Benjy Keating, a young producer and vocalist from London who sees dancehall music through a long-focus lens.

The New Yorker

And the focus we have on television, on the HDMI In functionality, this is a long term focus.

The Guardian - Tech

That shift is a product of a decade-long focus on strengthening young students' basic skills by relying for reading instruction on scripted lessons and phonics drills.

Los Angeles Times

But he says eight other NIH institutes have expressed interest in contributing, as has the March of Dimes, an organization long focused on maternal and infant health.

Science Magazine

An FCA investigation into their fees, voting record and whether they are good stewards who operate with a long term focus, is desperately needed.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a long focus" in the context of planning or strategy, ensure that the subsequent sentences elaborate on the specific long-term goals and how they will be achieved. This provides clarity and reinforces the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "a long focus" when referring to short-term objectives or immediate tasks. This phrase implies an extended timeframe and may mislead your audience if applied inappropriately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a long focus" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It signifies a sustained or prolonged period of attention, planning, or strategic thinking. As Ludwig AI explains, it can be used to describe attention and concentration over an extended period.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

32%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a long focus" is a noun phrase that signifies sustained attention, planning, or strategic thinking over an extended period. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, especially in contexts related to photography, optics, and prolonged concentration. While grammatically correct, it's relatively rare. It's most frequently found in News & Media, Science and Encyclopedias sources. When using this phrase, it's crucial to ensure that the context aligns with a long-term perspective and that any subsequent information elaborates on the specific long-term objectives. Be cautious not to misuse it for short-term goals, which could lead to misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a prolonged concentration

Emphasizes the duration of the concentration, similar to "a long focus".

a sustained attention

Highlights the continuous nature of the attention being given.

a lasting concentration

Focuses on the enduring nature of the concentration.

an extended perspective

Shifts the focus to the duration of the perspective, rather than focus itself.

a consistent emphasis

Emphasizes consistency over a period of time.

a deep dive

This is an idiom suggesting intense concentration on a topic.

a strategic vision

Implies a long-term approach to planning and foresight.

a comprehensive overview

Focuses on the breadth of the overview over time.

a perennial interest

Highlights enduring interest, changing the direction of "focus" to "interest".

a protracted gaze

Changes the sense to physical sight, maintaining the "long" duration.

FAQs

How can I use "a long focus" in a sentence?

You can use "a long focus" to describe a sustained period of attention or planning, as in "The company adopted a long focus on renewable energy investments".

What are some alternatives to "a long focus"?

Consider using "sustained attention", "extended perspective", or "prolonged concentration" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "long-term focus" or "a long focus"?

"Long-term focus" is generally used as a compound adjective before a noun (e.g., "a long-term focus strategy"), while "a long focus" can function as a noun phrase itself. The choice depends on the sentence structure.

What does "a long focus" mean in photography?

In photography, "a long focus" refers to a lens with a long focal length, which narrows the angle of view and magnifies distant objects. This differs from its broader meaning of sustained attention or planning.