are focused not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are focused not" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that the focus is directed away from something specific. Example: "The researchers are focused not on the immediate results, but on the long-term implications of their findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

"We are focused not on exposure to content and activities for their own sake but on outputs" — what students can show they've learned.

The New York Times

Carl Anderson, the head of the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic lay fellowship, said: "His occasional communications with me are focused not on the life of the institute but on internal political manoeuvring and on denigrating others".

The Guardian

But perhaps their greatest disappointment is over their leaders, whose energies are focused not on ways to lift the country out of crisis, but instead on what is widely seen as a selfish struggle over power.

The New York Times

The parents, some of whom have not mastered English, expect obedience and modesty and closely follow politics back in East Africa; the children are focused not on the homeland but on the money, clothes and excitement dangled by American culture.

The New York Times

"By being actively for deficit reduction, open markets, respecting the Fed's independence, he created the message and the reality that the Democrats are focused not only on equity but growth and managing the larger economy as well," said Gene Sperling, director of the National Economic Council.

The New York Times

In fact, the folks who handle the state's real estate are focused not on the current budget mess, but on ambitious building plans they say will make long-term financial sense: getting state agencies and employees out of expensive building leases and into new buildings owned by taxpayers.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

They are focusing not on what people remember, but how.

The New York Times - Health

Some ministers said their congregants were focused not on white racism, but on Mr. Wright's remarks.

The New York Times

"We're focused not just on short-term threats but long-term challenges," she said.

The New York Times

This initiative will be focused not on one city but five - Manchester, Sheffield, Leeds, Newcastle and Liverpool.

BBC

This conflict was focused not in Egypt, but elsewhere in the Arab world.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are focused not" when you want to explicitly emphasize what something is not about, rather than just stating what it is about. This can create a stronger contrast and highlight the true subject of attention.

Common error

Avoid using "are focused not" when a simple affirmative statement of focus is sufficient. Overusing this construction can make your writing sound convoluted. Ensure the negative phrasing is truly necessary to create the intended contrast.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are focused not" functions as a verb phrase indicating a deliberate redirection of attention or effort. It sets up a contrast, emphasizing what something isn't about to highlight what it is. Ludwig provides examples showcasing this contrastive usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Science

26%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are focused not" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to emphasize what something is not about, thereby highlighting its true focus. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a useful construct when you want to create a distinct contrast. While it appears in various contexts, it's particularly common in news and scientific writing. Remember to use this phrase deliberately, ensuring it enhances clarity rather than creating unnecessary complexity. By understanding its emphasis and purpose, you can effectively use "are focused not" to guide your audience's attention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are not concentrating on

This alternative uses "concentrating" instead of "focused", implying a deliberate effort to direct attention elsewhere.

are not centered on

This uses "centered" to suggest the main point isn't about something.

are diverting attention from

This alternative emphasizes redirecting attention away from something.

are redirecting their efforts away from

This option clarifies that efforts are being intentionally moved to a different area.

are shifting the focus from

This phrase suggests a deliberate change in what's being emphasized.

are moving away from

Implies a departure from a previous area of focus.

are no longer prioritizing

This indicates that something is being given less importance.

have ceased to concentrate on

Emphasizes that a previous focus has been discontinued.

are not giving importance to

This alternative directly states that something is not being considered important.

are discounting the value of

This suggests a deliberate dismissal of something's worth or relevance.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "are focused not" to sound more positive?

Instead of "are focused not", consider using alternatives like "are concentrating on", "are emphasizing", or "are prioritizing" to shift the tone.

Is there a difference between "are focused not on" and "are not focused on"?

While both phrases express a lack of focus, "are focused not on" often implies a deliberate choice to direct attention elsewhere. "Are not focused on" is a more general statement about a lack of focus, without necessarily implying an intentional redirection.

When is it best to use "are focused not" instead of "are not focused"?

"Are focused not" is most effective when you want to draw a direct contrast between what something isn't about and what it is about, creating emphasis and clarity. Use it to highlight a specific redirection of attention or effort.

What are some formal alternatives to "are focused not"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "are directing attention away from", "are shifting the emphasis from", or "are reorienting their efforts" for a more sophisticated tone.