attempt to focus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempt to focus" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing efforts to concentrate or direct attention towards a specific task or subject. Example: "In the meeting, I will attempt to focus on the key issues that need to be addressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the seventies, Rose said, he made no attempt to focus on the towers.

The New Yorker

In an interview before she left, Inna Shevchenko recalled the attempt to focus on sexual exploitation.

The New York Times

In part Gillis said the decision to put Page in charge may be an attempt to focus on that issue.

The Guardian - Tech

These are important events, so how do Guardian journalists attempt to focus on the news report rather than the propaganda?

The Guardian - Opinion

And once one is aware of it, no attempt to focus on Stubbs's formal skills can easily disguise the pervasive slaughterhouse atmosphere.

The New York Times - Arts

"Any attempt to focus attention on Mr. Letterman, who's the victim in this case, is an attempt to divert attention away from Mr. Halderman".

The New York Times

But her attempt to focus on her sport only goes so far when she must also cope without family, work, money, and a home of her own.

The Guardian - Sport

But at its core, the conference has been an attempt to focus the formal workshops and meetings on issues rather than business.

The New York Times

In 2010 Goodluck Jonathan, the nation's president, sacked the football team and board and issued a two-year ban in an attempt to focus on training, before backtracking.

The Guardian - Sport

And before it shifts into the thriller aspect of the story, "The Missing" feels like a thoughtful attempt to focus on the strains of home life.

The New York Times

A BBC insider said the changes were an attempt to focus on distinctive content online, an adjective to be added to the corporation's mission statement.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject is attempting to focus on. For example, "The researcher will attempt to focus on identifying the key variables."

Common error

Avoid using "attempt to focus" without specifying the object of focus. A sentence like "The project will attempt to focus" lacks clarity. Instead, specify what the project aims to focus on, such as "The project will attempt to focus on improving user engagement."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempt to focus" primarily functions as an infinitive phrase, often used to express the purpose or intention behind an action. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase correctly conveys the effort to direct attention towards a particular subject or objective.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "attempt to focus" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that expresses the intention to concentrate or direct attention towards a specific goal. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable across diverse writing contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and formal communications. When using "attempt to focus", ensure that the object of focus is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases like "try to concentrate" or "make an effort to focus" can be used to add variety to your writing while maintaining the same core meaning. Always aim for clarity to ensure your intended message is effectively conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

try to concentrate

Replaces "attempt" with the more common "try" and uses "concentrate" instead of "focus".

make an effort to focus

Emphasizes the exertion of effort in directing attention.

strive to concentrate

Uses a more formal verb, "strive", to indicate a determined effort.

endeavor to focus

Replaces "attempt" with the formal synonym "endeavor".

aim to concentrate

Uses "aim" to highlight the intention or goal of focusing.

seek to focus

Highlights the act of searching for clarity and direction.

work to concentrate

Highlights the laboriousness involved in the act of focusing.

try to direct attention

Shifts the focus from internal concentration to the act of directing attention outward.

make an effort to direct attention

Combines the elements of both effort and outward direction of attention.

concentrate efforts

Implies focusing on something by concentrating the efforts.

FAQs

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

Use "attempt to focus" to describe an effort to concentrate on something specific. For instance, "The study will "attempt to focus" on the root causes of the problem."

What are some alternatives to "attempt to focus"?

You can use alternatives like "try to concentrate", "make an effort to focus", or "aim to concentrate" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "attempt to focus" or "try to focus"?

"Attempt to focus" and "try to focus" are both grammatically correct and largely interchangeable. "Try to focus" is generally more common in informal contexts, while "attempt to focus" can sound slightly more formal.

What does "attempt to focus" imply in a research context?

In research, ""attempt to focus"" suggests a deliberate effort to narrow the scope of investigation to specific variables, outcomes, or populations. It highlights the intention to concentrate on particular aspects for a more detailed analysis.