able to focus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able to focus" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing someone's capacity to concentrate on a task or subject. Example: "In order to succeed in this project, you need to be able to focus on the details and avoid distractions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Is he able to focus?

The New York Times - Sports

I just wasn't able to focus.

The New York Times

Erick feels better able to focus.

The New York Times

We're able to focus for that.

The New Yorker

I was able to focus.

The New York Times

I would have just been able to focus on taekwondo.

The Guardian - Sport

With benefits, I was able to focus on getting well.

The Guardian - Opinion

You won't be able to focus or count.

The New Yorker

"He seemed to be able to focus longer," she said.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's so important to be able to focus on training.

The New York Times - Sports

Medics must be able to focus exclusively on their work.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "able to focus" in your writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is focusing on. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity. For example, "She was able to focus on her studies after eliminating distractions."

Common error

Avoid using the passive voice when "able to focus" can be expressed more directly and actively. Instead of "The task was able to be focused on by the team", write "The team was able to focus on the task".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "able to focus" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase describing the capability or capacity of a person or entity to concentrate on a particular subject or task. Ludwig examples show it describing individuals' ability to concentrate on work, studies, or training.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "able to focus" is a commonly used and grammatically correct adjectival phrase that describes the capacity to concentrate. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. It maintains a neutral register and is widely applicable across diverse contexts, including news, science, and professional settings. To enhance clarity, specify the object of focus, and avoid passive voice constructions. Related alternatives include "capable of concentrating" and "able to concentrate".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

able to concentrate

Substitutes "focus" with "concentrate", a direct synonym, maintaining the original meaning.

capable of concentrating

Replaces "able" with "capable" and "focus" with "concentrating", emphasizing the capacity to concentrate.

can concentrate effectively

Focuses on the effectiveness of concentration rather than just the ability.

capable of maintaining focus

Adds "maintaining" to emphasize the sustained effort of focusing.

has the capacity to focus

Rephrases the ability as a "capacity", indicating potential or capability.

possesses the ability to focus

Uses "possesses the ability" to highlight the inherent skill of focusing.

is skilled at concentrating

Highlights the skill level in concentrating, suggesting expertise.

retains concentration

Emphasizes the retention of concentration over time.

maintains mental clarity

Shifts the focus to mental clarity as a result of being able to focus.

demonstrates attentiveness

Highlights the outward demonstration of attentiveness as an indicator of focus.

FAQs

What does "able to focus" mean?

The phrase "able to focus" describes the capacity or capability of someone to concentrate their attention on a particular subject, task, or goal without being distracted.

How can I use "able to focus" in a sentence?

You can use "able to focus" to describe someone's ability to concentrate. For instance: "After the vacation, I was finally "able to focus" on my work".

What are some alternative phrases for "able to focus"?

Alternatives include "capable of concentrating", "able to concentrate", or "skilled at concentrating", depending on the specific context.

Is "able to focus" formal or informal?

"Able to focus" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "capable of concentrating" might be preferred in academic or professional writing.