at first focused

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at first focused" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an initial concentration or attention on a particular subject or task before possibly shifting focus later. Example: "At first focused on the details of the project, she later realized the bigger picture was more important."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

They at first focused on 20th-century pictures, but soon sought photography from its inception in 1839.

The New York Times

In 1993, he began the New England Centenarian Study, which at first focused on eight Massachusetts towns.

The New York Times - Science

At first focused on the Southeast, the France family took advantage of network television exposure and later, on the growth of cable TV.

The New York Times

Officials of the city's Department of Education said the study at first focused on cracked caulk, but that air sampling also pointed at a lighting ballast, a regulating device in fluorescent lights made with oil containing PCBs.

The New York Times

So when it emerged from communism, having known independence for only 20 of the previous 200 years, it was at first focused on itself and its transformation from a dictatorship with a centrally planned economy to a free-market democracy.

The Economist

Officials with the Education Department said that the study at first focused on cracked caulk, but that air sampling also pointed at lighting ballast, a regulating device in fluorescent lights made with oil containing PCBs.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Over the centuries the relationship between man and animals has been studied, at first focusing on domesticated and game animals.

Developments in Soil Science

Taking her inspiration from Diane Arbus's photographs, she began taking pictures in the mid-1980s, at first focusing on those subcultures.

The New York Times

The institute will not concentrate on long-term research at first, focusing instead on "project-based learning," in which students work on intensive, short-term undertakings.

The New York Times

Glen Talyor grew a mom-and-pop local printing shop into one of the largest custom printing companies in the United States by, at first, focusing on the immensely competitive and fragmented industry for wedding stationery and related accessories.

Forbes

At first focusing on Palm handhelds, Learning in Hand now covers podcasting, iPods, iPod touch, iPhone, iPad and netbooks.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at first focused", ensure that the subsequent shift in focus is clearly indicated to avoid ambiguity. For example: "At first focused on revenue, the company later expanded its vision to include user engagement."

Common error

Avoid using "at first focused" when there is no subsequent change or evolution in focus. Using it implies that the focus shifted, so ensure this is clear to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at first focused" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the initial state or direction of an action or entity. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, such as describing the initial focus of a study, a campaign, or a business.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "at first focused" is a grammatically sound and useful phrase for indicating an initial point of concentration, frequently suggesting a subsequent shift or evolution. Ludwig examples illustrate its usage across various domains, including news, science, and general writing. While "at first focused" is most common in news and scientific contexts, its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for diverse professional communications. When using "at first focused", be sure to clearly indicate the subsequent shift in focus. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is correct and usable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

initially concentrated

Emphasizes the starting point of concentration, similar to "at first focused" but uses a single word.

began by focusing on

Explicitly states the act of beginning with a specific focus.

primarily attentive

Highlights the state of being attentive as the primary or initial condition.

in the beginning, focused on

Similar to "at first focused" but introduces an introductory phrase

started with an emphasis on

Highlights that there was an emphasis right from the beginning on something

early emphasis was on

Highlights the presence of an early emphasis that guided efforts or attention

initially geared toward

Focuses on the direction or aim of the initial focus.

originally directed at

Similar to geared toward, but with a sense of original direction.

initially paid attention to

Highlights the action of paying attention as a start point

first prioritized

Focuses on the element of prioritization in the initial stages.

FAQs

How can I use "at first focused" in a sentence?

Use "at first focused" to indicate an initial concentration on something that later changes. For example, "The research team "at first focused" on the symptoms, but later investigated the root cause".

What are some alternatives to "at first focused"?

You can use alternatives such as "initially concentrated", "primarily attentive", or "began by focusing on" depending on the specific context.

Is it necessary to always indicate a change in focus after using "at first focused"?

While not grammatically required, it's best practice to indicate a shift or evolution in focus after using "at first focused" to provide a complete and clear picture. Otherwise, consider using a phrase like "initially concentrated".

What's the difference between "at first focused" and "initially focused"?

Both phrases are quite similar. "At first focused" emphasizes a temporal sequence, while "initially focused" simply indicates the starting point. The phrase "at first focused" might imply a more definite shift later on.