be unfocused

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be unfocused" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of lacking concentration or clarity in thought or action. Example: "During the meeting, I found it hard to contribute because my mind was unfocused."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

He complained that the resulting effort may be unfocused and overly bureaucratic.

The Washington Post

It's sometimes striking, but can be unfocused, especially in the opening movement, when the ideas don't quite cohere.

The Guardian - Music

Brian Olson, who left the private sector for a nonprofit in 2006, found the decision-making process to be unfocused.

The New York Times

For entirely different reasons (he is 84 and occasionally appears to be unfocused), it is not clear if he is up to the job either.

The Guardian - Opinion

On the other hand, the receiving beam can be unfocused in general, so that the received signals are collected at all antenna elements and processed by a MIMO system.

EURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing

Without understanding the market effective messaging will be unfocused and not convey a strong enough call to action.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

His eyes are unfocused.

Independent

But the target is unfocused.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

His eyes are unfocused; he is dying.

The Guardian

"Commercial banks are unfocused," he said.

The New York Times

The 19 hearings themselves were unfocused, more theater than investigation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be unfocused", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is lacking focus. For example, "The presentation was unfocused" clarifies that the presentation lacked a clear direction.

Common error

Avoid using "be unfocused" as a direct synonym for "be lazy". While someone unfocused may appear unproductive, it's crucial to distinguish between a lack of focus and a lack of effort.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be unfocused" functions as a verb phrase, often used with auxiliary verbs to describe a state of lacking concentration or clarity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and suitable for various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Science

14%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be unfocused" is a grammatically correct and relatively common verb phrase used to describe a lack of concentration or clarity. As Ludwig AI points out, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "lack focus" or "be distracted" exist, "be unfocused" offers a specific nuance that emphasizes the absence of a clear direction or mental sharpness. Remember to use it precisely, distinguishing it from related concepts like disorganization or laziness. The source analysis indicates that the phrase is seen across a variety of reputable publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack focus

This alternative directly states the absence of focus.

be distracted

This implies that attention is drawn elsewhere.

be inattentive

This highlights a lack of attention or attentiveness.

be scatterbrained

This suggests a disorganized and unfocused state of mind.

lose concentration

This emphasizes the act of losing focus.

have a wandering mind

This describes a mind that drifts from one thought to another.

be absent-minded

This suggests a lack of awareness of one's surroundings or tasks.

be preoccupied

This indicates that one's mind is occupied with other thoughts.

have difficulty concentrating

This highlights the struggle to maintain focus.

be all over the place

This describes a state of disorganization and lack of focus.

FAQs

How can I use "be unfocused" in a sentence?

You can use "be unfocused" to describe a state of lacking concentration or clarity. For example, "I tend to "be unfocused" when I'm tired", or "The project seemed "be unfocused" without a clear objective".

What are some alternative phrases for "be unfocused"?

Alternatives include "lack focus", "be distracted", or "lose concentration". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "be unfocused" and "be disorganized"?

"Be unfocused" refers to a lack of mental clarity or concentration, while "be disorganized" refers to a lack of structure or order. You can "be unfocused" even if you are organized, and vice-versa.

Is it correct to say "is unfocused" instead of "be unfocused"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct, but "be unfocused" is the infinitive form, often used after modal verbs (e.g., "can be unfocused", "might be unfocused"). "Is unfocused" is used when describing a state (e.g., "the student is unfocused").