attempting to focus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "attempting to focus" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the action of trying to concentrate or direct attention towards something. Example: "She is attempting to focus on her studies despite the distractions around her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Todd, attempting to focus the bluster, asked, "Do you think the rhetoric got out of hand on Planned Parenthood?" "No.

The New Yorker

The Obama administration rightly is attempting to focus its Latin America diplomacy on big countries and constructive players such as Mr. Lula and Mexico's Felipe Calderón.

The Washington Post

Sir Peter had been named a special envoy of the United Nations and was attempting to focus attention on the world's water resources, from the Amazon to the North Pole.

The New York Times

In the coming months when Australian diplomats are attempting to focus the new Trump administration on Asia and lining up our own interests, non-proliferation needs to be at the top of the agenda.

The Guardian - Opinion

The show's curators, Eileen Doktorski and Jacek Malinowski, are attempting to focus on the working process instead of the finished product, according to the catalog introduction by Paul Clabby, the director of the Ely House.

The New York Times

"We are attempting to focus more strategically on high-speed data, video and cellular," said David Jefferson, an A T & T vice president, "as opposed to the management of real estate".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

It has also proved a serious distraction as Mr. Chrétien attempts to focus on foreign affairs.

The New York Times

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

The Guardian - Opinion

Two weeks after a party convention that attempted to focus on party unity, new rifts are appearing between Republicans and their candidate.

The Guardian

Hillary Clinton attempted to focus voters' minds on gun control in New Hampshire on Wednesday, saying there was a "big difference" between her and Bernie Sanders on the issue.

The Guardian

No one had yet attempted to focus on the portraits executed by John Constable, better known as a towering figure of European landscape painting.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "attempting to focus", ensure it's followed by a clear indication of what the subject is trying to focus on. This provides context and enhances clarity.

Common error

Avoid placing adverbs or prepositional phrases between "attempting" and "to focus" if they disrupt the flow or create ambiguity. For example, instead of "attempting quickly to focus", consider "attempting to focus quickly" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "attempting to focus" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a verbal noun within a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, it's used to describe an ongoing effort or process of directing one's attention or efforts. It specifies the action being undertaken.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

29%

Lifestyle

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "attempting to focus" is a common and grammatically correct gerund phrase used to describe the action of trying to concentrate or direct attention. According to Ludwig AI, it's applicable across various contexts, primarily in News & Media and Science. While "trying to focus" serves as a simpler alternative, "attempting to focus" adds a slightly more formal tone. When using this phrase, clarity is key; make sure to specify what is being focused on. Remember to avoid misplaced modifiers that could disrupt the phrase's flow and meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

trying to concentrate

Replaces "attempting" with "trying", emphasizing the effort to concentrate.

making an effort to focus

Explicitly states the effort being exerted to focus.

working to focus

Highlights the active effort and labor involved in focusing.

seeking to concentrate

Emphasizes the act of searching or aiming for concentration.

aiming to focus

Focuses on the intention or goal of focusing.

endeavoring to focus

Uses "endeavoring" for a more formal and intensified sense of effort.

striving to concentrate

Implies a dedicated and sustained effort to focus.

concentrating efforts

Shifts the focus to the efforts themselves, rather than the act of attempting.

devoting attention

Highlights the dedication of attention to a specific point.

directing one's attention

Formal and emphasizes control over one's focus.

FAQs

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

You can use "attempting to focus" to describe someone's effort to concentrate on a particular task, like "She is "attempting to focus" on her studies despite the noise."

What are some alternatives to "attempting to focus"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "trying to concentrate", "making an effort to focus", or "endeavoring to focus".

Is it more formal to say "attempting to focus" or "trying to focus"?

"Attempting to focus" is generally considered slightly more formal than "trying to focus". The choice depends on the context and the desired tone of your writing.

What's the difference between "attempting to focus" and "focusing"?

"Attempting to focus" implies an ongoing effort, whereas "focusing" suggests a successful or completed action. For instance, "He is "attempting to focus", but he is still distracted", versus "He is "focusing" on his work".