be focused on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be focused on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to express that somebody is directing their attention and energy to something. For example: "I'm trying to be focused on my studies so I can get good grades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But it needs to be focused on soon," he added.

The New York Times

"Let's not be focused on one country.

BBC

We should all be focused on winning.

Independent

And Miami will be focused on Fitzgerald.

The New York Times - Sports

Others will be focused on it, too.

The New York Times

The paper should be focused on that.

The Guardian

I'll not be focused on you.

The Guardian - Music

"They shouldn't be focused on placing ads.

The New York Times - Sports

Everybody's going to be focused on him.

The New York Times - Sports

Policy would be focused on "benefit scroungers".

The Guardian - Opinion

We can't simply be focused on Iraq.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be focused on", ensure that the object of focus is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "They need to be focused", specify "They need to be focused on the project goals".

Common error

Avoid using "be focused on" when an active voice construction would be clearer and more direct. For instance, instead of "The meeting should be focused on solutions", try "The meeting should focus on solutions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be focused on" functions as a verb phrase complement, typically used in the passive voice. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It connects a subject to a specific area of attention or concentration, indicating the direction of effort.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be focused on" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression for indicating the direction of attention or effort. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is deemed correct and usable in written English. As evidenced by the numerous examples from Ludwig, its usage spans across various contexts, including news, sports, and general discourse, with a neutral formality level. When using this phrase, clarity in defining the object of focus is key to avoid ambiguity. Remember to choose active voice where appropriate to improve writing conciseness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concentrate on

This alternative directly suggests directing one's mental effort towards something.

focus one's attention on

This alternative explicitly mentions attention, emphasizing the mental aspect of focusing.

be intent on

This alternative conveys a strong sense of purpose and determination.

be absorbed in

This alternative suggests a state of being fully engrossed and immersed in something.

be preoccupied with

This alternative implies that one's thoughts are largely consumed by something.

be directed towards

This alternative focuses on the direction or target of one's efforts or attention.

be geared towards

This alternative suggests that something is specifically designed or organized for a particular purpose.

zero in on

This alternative implies a precise and targeted focus.

have an eye on

This alternative suggests keeping something under observation with a particular goal in mind.

be convergent on

This alternative highlights the direction and point towards where action is oriented.

FAQs

How to use "be focused on" in a sentence?

The phrase "be focused on" is used to indicate that attention or effort is directed towards a specific goal or subject. For example, "The company needs to "be focused on" improving customer service".

What can I say instead of "be focused on"?

You can use alternatives like "concentrate on", "focus one's attention on", or "be intent on" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "be focused on" or "focus on"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different uses. "Be focused on" is generally used in the passive voice, while "focus on" is used in the active voice. For example, "The research should "be focused on" finding a cure" (passive) versus "The researchers should "focus on" finding a cure" (active).

What's the difference between "be focused on" and "be fixated on"?

"Be focused on" implies a deliberate and goal-oriented concentration, while "be fixated on" suggests an obsessive or unhealthy preoccupation. While they both involve a high degree of attention, the latter carries a negative connotation.