acute focus

USAGE SUMMARY

"acute focus" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It usually means paying close attention to something, either in a literal or figurative sense. An example sentence could be: "We applied an acute focus to the details of the project to ensure its success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

*An acute focus on the here and now.

The New York Times - Sports

Acute focus, fuelled by desire, grows connections (synapses) among the brain cells devoted to the thing you can't help wanting.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is an acute focus, and of course the fear that opposition will attack you if you miss those targets.

The Guardian

Put aside the more acute focus on President Obama and narrow in on Mr. Gingrich.

The New York Times

YET his acute focus could also prove his biggest future nemesis, analysts say.

The New York Times

The constant screaming and the running, along with chronic exhaustion, produce in him a state of low-level panic, which is also a state of acute focus.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Though the acute foci of inflammation are no longer evident following vaccination (104 CFUs) and boosting (106 CFUs) with Schu S4 ΔpurMCD in the lungs of the three representative mice examined, there are areas of consolidation involving between 20 30% of the lung tissue with hemmorhage and rare foci of mixed cellular infiltrates suggestive of granuloma formation (Fig. 5G and H).

Plosone

Furthermore, acute malacic foci and foci of gitter and glial cells, oedema and proliferation of capillaries/venules were demonstrated throughout the brain, including the cerebral cortex.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

If it lacks the acute emotional focus of those two masterpieces, it is still an ambitious attempt to portray worsening dementia from the inside.

The New York Times

Many studies on acute psychiatry focus on patient characteristics, diagnoses, violence and treatment inside hospitals [ 5, 6].

BMC Health Services Research

Occasionally, acute malacic foci were seen, as well as foci of gitter and glial cells, and proliferation of capillaries/venules.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "acute focus" when you want to emphasize a particularly sharp, intense, and immediate concentration on a specific subject or task. It suggests a temporary but powerful state of attention.

Common error

Avoid using "acute focus" to describe a general interest or long-term goal. "Acute" implies a short-term, intense state, not a sustained or chronic one.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "acute focus" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "acute" modifies the noun "focus". It describes a state or quality of concentrated attention. Ludwig's examples show it being used to describe attention to detail, terrorism, or a candidate's position.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

32%

Formal & Business

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "acute focus" is a grammatically sound and commonly used term to describe a state of intense and sharp concentration. According to Ludwig AI, it conveys paying close attention to something either literally or figuratively. Predominantly featured in News & Media and Science domains, this phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for professional communication. While effective for highlighting short-term, intense attention, avoid using it for long-term, general interests. Alternatives such as "intense concentration" or "sharp attention" can be employed to vary language while conveying a similar meaning. In essence, "acute focus" is a valuable phrase to employ when precision and intensity of attention are paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intense concentration

This alternative highlights the degree of mental effort involved.

sharp attention

This phrase emphasizes the precision and clarity of the focus.

keen awareness

This alternative underscores a heightened sense of perception.

intense awareness

This phrase stresses the intensity of perception.

laser focus

This emphasizes precision and narrowness of attention.

concentrated effort

This alternative emphasizes the application of energy towards a specific goal.

deep concentration

This phrase underscores the profoundness of the focus.

heightened focus

This implies an increased or amplified level of attention.

close attention

This phrase denotes careful and detailed observation.

mindful attention

This highlights the deliberate and thoughtful aspect of focusing.

FAQs

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

You can use "acute focus" to describe a situation where someone is paying very close attention to something for a limited time. For example: "The surgeon maintained an acute focus throughout the delicate operation."

What are some alternatives to "acute focus"?

You can use alternatives like "intense concentration", "sharp attention", or "keen awareness" depending on the context.

What does "acute" mean in the context of "acute focus"?

In "acute focus", "acute" means sharp or intense. It suggests a heightened level of attention that is concentrated on a specific subject or task.

Is it appropriate to use "acute focus" in formal writing?

Yes, "acute focus" is appropriate for formal writing. It is a clear and professional way to describe a state of intense concentration, as demonstrated by examples in news media and scientific publications. As Ludwig AI confirms, "acute focus" is usable in written English.