a serious focus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a serious focus" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a strong or intense concentration on a particular subject or issue. Example: "The team has a serious focus on improving customer satisfaction this quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Critical mass has become a serious focus for research universities.

The Guardian

Plenty of silliness, but also a serious focus on reading and accessibility for kids.

The Guardian - Tech

There is also a serious focus on improving energy efficiency, he said, to avoid dependency on imported fuels.

The Guardian

"The Obama administration has already done a lot of what Europeans have asked for, including announcing the closure of Guantanamo and a serious focus on climate change," Mr. De Hoop Scheffer told the conclave.

The New York Times

As a result of this impartiality, or timidity as it may appear to some, the commission has achieved what few anticipated it would: a serious focus on its proposals.In this section Veteran appeal The uncaged bear A change of spots On the trail No blame, no pain Force enhancement Is the Wunderkind so wonderful?

The Economist

That means we need a serious focus on energy conservation, particularly home insulation, to end the scandal exposed today by the Children Society of the more than half of the 3 million children living in poverty who say their home is uncomfortably cold, and the 26% who say their home suffers from mould or damp.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"We have a serious focus-and-execution problem.

The New York Times

Ms. Moss said she was a "serious, focused child".

The New York Times - Arts

Indeed, it requires an effort to look in a serious, focused manner.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"You can see them writing, making notes," says Melody Grove, a dark-haired 24-year-old from Kent, with a serious, focused air.

The Guardian

It is a serious, focused combination of global intelligence coordination, targeted killing of known terrorists and limited interventions — like Libya — that leverage popular forces on the ground and allies, as well as a judicious use of U.S. power, so that we keep the costs and risks down.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a serious focus", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject of the focus is and why it is considered serious. This will enhance clarity and prevent ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "a serious focus" in contexts where the matter is clearly trivial or unimportant. Overusing the phrase can dilute its impact and make your writing seem hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a serious focus" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, denoting a significant concentration or emphasis on something. Ludwig provides examples where it describes organizational priorities or areas of study. It means a deliberate intention to give attention to something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a serious focus" is a noun phrase that indicates a strong concentration or emphasis on a particular subject. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples on Ludwig demonstrate its application across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general writing. It's a versatile phrase, suitable for neutral and formal registers. To maximize its effectiveness, ensure the subject of the focus is clearly defined and the seriousness is justified. Common alternatives include ""a strong emphasis"" and ""a dedicated concentration"". Be mindful of overusing the phrase in trivial contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a strong emphasis

Indicates a forceful highlighting or stressing of something, differing from "focus" which suggests a concentrated attention.

a dedicated concentration

Implies a committed and unwavering attention, emphasizing the dedication aspect more than the "serious" aspect.

a keen interest

Suggests a sharp and enthusiastic attention, which may not always imply the same level of responsibility as "focus".

intense scrutiny

Indicates a very detailed and critical examination, rather than a general area of attention.

close attention

Implies careful observation and consideration, but not necessarily the proactive engagement of a "focus".

major consideration

Highlights the importance of something being taken into account, rather than actively concentrating on it.

significant priority

Indicates something that is given precedence, which differs from the act of concentrating attention.

primary concern

Suggests something that is worried about, which isn't quite a focus, but something someone has a serious interest in.

deliberate attention

Implies careful and intentional attention, but not necessarily the proactive engagement of a "focus".

substantial commitment

Emphasizes the dedication of resources and effort, rather than the specific act of focusing attention.

FAQs

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

You can use "a serious focus" to indicate a strong concentration or emphasis on a particular subject. For example, "The company has "a serious focus" on environmental sustainability this year."

What are some alternatives to "a serious focus"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a strong emphasis", "a dedicated concentration", or "intense scrutiny".

Is it redundant to say "a very serious focus"?

While grammatically correct, "a very serious focus" can sometimes be redundant. The word "serious" already implies a high degree of importance, so consider whether "serious" alone is sufficient.

What's the difference between "a serious focus" and "a strategic focus"?

"A serious focus" indicates the importance or intensity of attention, whereas "a strategic focus" implies that the focus is part of a deliberate plan or strategy to achieve specific goals.