a matter of focus

USAGE SUMMARY

"a matter of focus" is a correct phrase and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to talk about something that requires concentration or attention. It implies that the success or outcome of a situation or task depends on how much attention or emphasis is given to it. Example: "Getting good grades in college is not a matter of intelligence, but rather a matter of focus and determination."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sports

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

For Mr. O'Callaghan, it was a matter of focus.

The New York Times

It's just a matter of focus and execution.

The New York Times

"It was a matter of focus," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

"It is a matter of focus," Ms. McDowell said.

The New York Times

It's just a matter of focus, but the hours and energy are the same".

The New Yorker

This year the studios' apparently strong position is partly a matter of focus.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

It was a matter of focusing".

The New York Times - Sports

Konerko said every hitter thinks about mechanics at the plate; it's simply a matter of focusing on the proper cues.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a matter of focusing your energy so you get it going in one direction, at the guy across from you".

The New York Times - Sports

Bill Hewlett, founder of Hewlett-Packard (1913 2001)"Sustained success is largely a matter of focusing regularly on the right things and making a lot of uncelebrated little improvements every day".

The Economist

e360: For the Sierra Club, then, it sounds like part of the effort to increase minority membership isn't a matter of focusing on different issues, it's a matter of the message that the organization is sending.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what requires focus and why it's important.

Common error

Avoid using "a matter of focus" as a generic filler. Ensure the sentence clearly specifies what needs to be focused on; otherwise, the statement lacks impact and becomes vague.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a matter of focus" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an appositive. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It emphasizes the importance of concentration or attention in achieving a particular outcome.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Sports

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a matter of focus" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that emphasizes the critical role of concentration and prioritization. According to Ludwig AI, its use is considered correct. As shown by Ludwig's real-world examples, its applications span across various domains, notably news, business, and sports. For effective writing, ensure the context clarifies what specifically requires focus to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "a question of focus" or "a point of concentration" can offer nuanced variations. Remember, the power of this phrase lies in its ability to highlight that desired outcomes hinge on strategically directing attention and effort.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a question of focus

Replaces "matter" with "question", suggesting a debate or inquiry about what should be prioritized.

a point of focus

Emphasizes a specific area or aspect that needs attention.

a subject of focus

Highlights the topic or area that is being concentrated on.

a question of emphasis

Shifts the focus to the degree of importance placed on something.

a matter of concentration

Replaces focus with concentration, which refers more specifically to the mental effort applied.

a priority

Implies something needs to be dealt with before other things

an issue of focus

Presents it as a problem or point of concern regarding attention

depends on focus

Focus is the most important ingredient to determine a situation.

hinges on attention

Highlights attention is essential

calls for focused attention

This stresses that something demands specific attention

FAQs

How can I use "a matter of focus" in a sentence?

You can use "a matter of focus" to emphasize that achieving a specific goal depends on concentration and prioritization. For instance, "Improving your grades is "a matter of focus" and consistent study habits."

What's a good alternative to "a matter of focus"?

Alternatives include "a question of emphasis", "a point of concentration", or "a question of focus", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "an issue of focus" instead of "a matter of focus"?

Yes, "an issue of focus" is a valid alternative, particularly when describing a problem that stems from a lack of concentration or clarity.

What is the difference between "a matter of focus" and "a matter of perspective"?

"A matter of focus" refers to concentrating on specific details or priorities, while "a matter of perspective" relates to viewing something from a particular viewpoint or angle. Focus deals with concentration, perspective deals with viewpoint.