a sharp focus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sharp focus" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a clear and precise concentration on a particular subject or detail. Example: "The photographer achieved a sharp focus on the subject, making the details stand out beautifully against the blurred background."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A sharp focus will be on the economy.

The Economist

"He's trying to put a sharp focus on the issue".

The New York Times

A sharp focus on the economy is giving way to ideology and personality.

The New York Times

We shouldn't get diluted on other things — a sharp focus on banks.

The New Yorker

Mr. Taubman's lawyers have put a sharp focus on the severance agreement.

The New York Times - Arts

When he finds a kindred spirit, a sharp focus, an open mind, he leaps, immediately connecting.

The New York Times - Magazine

He thinks that the Islanders are capable of overachieving if they maintain a sharp focus.

The New York Times - Sports

Aides to Mr. de Blasio say he kept a sharp focus on bettering the lives of his least-empowered constituents.

The New York Times

Each episode has a sharp focus and a different point of view, some with voice-over narration and others without.

The New York Times

The crisis has also brought a sharp focus on Pakistan's management, in particular the controversy-prone PCB.

The Guardian - Sport

American officials say they have been surprised by how open Mr. Morsi and his advisers have been to economic changes, with a sharp focus on creating jobs.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sharp focus" when you want to emphasize clarity and precision in attention or effort. It suggests a deliberate and concentrated approach to a task or subject.

Common error

While "a sharp focus" is versatile, avoid using it excessively in very informal writing. Simpler phrases like "paying attention" or "concentrating" might be more appropriate in casual conversations or personal correspondence.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "a sharp focus" is as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sharp focus" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to highlight the importance of clear and concentrated attention. Ludwig AI’s analysis confirms that it is frequently employed in news, media, scientific, and business contexts. To enhance your writing, remember to use "a sharp focus" when emphasizing precision and clarity, but consider simpler alternatives in very informal situations. Related phrases like "keen concentration" or "laser-like focus" can add variety to your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a laser-like focus

Uses a metaphor to emphasize the intensity and narrowness of the focus.

a keen concentration

Replaces 'focus' with 'concentration' and 'sharp' with 'keen', emphasizing attentiveness.

an intense concentration

Emphasizes the high degree of concentration involved.

a singular focus

Highlights the idea of having only one focus, eliminating distractions.

a clear emphasis

Substitutes 'focus' with 'emphasis', highlighting the importance given to something.

a precise attention

Replaces 'focus' with 'attention' and 'sharp' with 'precise', stressing accuracy.

a targeted approach

Highlights the intentional and specific nature of the approach.

a distinct priority

Changes the focus to prioritization, indicating something is given precedence.

a pinpoint accuracy

Shifts the focus to the accuracy and precision of the attention.

a concentrated effort

Shifts the focus to the effort being applied with concentration.

FAQs

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

You can use "a sharp focus" to describe concentrating on a specific task or goal. For example, "The team maintained "a sharp focus" on the project's objectives to ensure its success."

What are some alternatives to "a sharp focus"?

Alternatives include "keen concentration", "clear emphasis", or "laser-like focus", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "a sharply focus"?

No, the correct phrase is "a sharp focus", where "sharp" is an adjective describing the noun "focus". "Sharply" is an adverb and would not be used in this context.

What's the difference between "a sharp focus" and "focusing sharply"?

"A sharp focus" is a noun phrase that refers to the state of being focused, whereas "focusing sharply" is a verb phrase describing the action of focusing in a precise manner. The former describes a condition, the latter an action.