area of concentration

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "area of concentration" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a specific subject or topic that a person is focusing on or studying. You can use it to describe a particular academic or professional field, as well as one's personal interests or hobbies. Example: My area of concentration in college was psychology, but I also took a few classes in anthropology. Another example: As a pianist, my area of concentration is classical music, but I also enjoy playing jazz from time to time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

But Johnson and his circle became her area of concentration.

The New York Times - Books

He took all required courses for the airline pilot area of concentration, she said.

The New York Times

The next largest area of concentration is in Asia, he said, with the largest numbers in the coastal cities of China and in Pakistan and India.

The New York Times

This requires a minimum three-year residency in the chosen area of concentration, plus extensive oral and written exams.

The New York Times - Health

Whenever Haggis gave an answer that prompted the E-Meter's needle to jump, that subject became an area of concentration until the auditor was satisfied that Haggis was free of the emotional consequences of the troubling experience.

The New Yorker

Another area of concentration is children's programming: in addition to Sesame Workshop, there will be paid channels from National Geographic Kids and the Jim Henson Company.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

A good linear relationship was found between the pixel area of concentrations of melatonin ranging 0.5 2.5 pM.

Journal of Analytical Science and Technology

The ratios of mean area of concentration-vs-time curve (AUC) values in the lungs over mean AUCs in the plasma for isotretinoin following single or repeated aerosol exposure surpassed those determined for the oral route by factors of between two (single low-dose) and five (single high-dose).

British Journal of Cancer

You think of the established areas of concentration.

The New York Times - Books

Army cadets have 16 areas of concentration from which to choose.

The New York Times - Sports

Fighting H.I.V. and AIDS is one of five areas of concentration for the foundation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In professional contexts, use "area of concentration" to specify an employee's specialized skill set or the department’s primary focus.

Common error

Avoid using "area of concentration" when referring to general interests or hobbies; reserve it for describing formal or structured fields of study or professional expertise. Consider using "subject of interest" or "personal interest" for the former.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "area of concentration" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject complement or object of a preposition. As shown by Ludwig, it indicates a specific field or subject that someone is focusing on.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

27%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

7%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "area of concentration" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term, particularly in academic and professional settings. As Ludwig AI indicates, it serves to define a specific field of study or expertise. While versatile, it's best reserved for formal contexts, as noted in the writing guidance. Alternatives such as "field of study" or "specialty" can be used depending on the nuance desired. The phrase enjoys common usage in news, scientific publications, and formal business communications, establishing it as a reliable and clear way to specify a focused subject area.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

focus area

Highlights the area that receives the most attention or resources.

field of study

Focuses on the academic discipline being studied, omitting the idea of focused attention.

primary focus

Emphasizes the main area of attention or activity.

major

Refers specifically to the primary subject of study in a college or university.

specialty

Denotes a specific area of expertise or skill within a broader field.

expertise

Implies a high level of skill or knowledge in a particular area.

subject of interest

Emphasizes personal interest in a particular topic.

core discipline

Denotes the fundamental or essential subject area.

designated field

Highlights a field that has been specifically chosen or assigned.

specialized knowledge

Highlights the specific and detailed knowledge in a particular area.

FAQs

How do I use "area of concentration" in a sentence?

You can use "area of concentration" to specify a particular subject or field that someone is focusing on. For example, "My area of concentration in college was environmental science."

What can I say instead of "area of concentration"?

You can use alternatives like "field of study", "major", or "specialty" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "area of concentration" or "area of focus"?

Both phrases are correct, but "area of concentration" often implies a more formal or academic context, while "area of focus" can be used more broadly.

What's the difference between "area of concentration" and "expertise"?

"Area of concentration" refers to a specific field one is studying or focusing on, while "expertise" implies a high level of skill or knowledge acquired in that field.