by focusing on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by focusing on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you want to indicate that someone is concentrating their efforts and attention on a particular point or aim. For example, "By focusing on efficiency, the team was able to reduce costs by 10%."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But just by focusing on one, you skew the picture".

The New York Times

We should begin by focusing on refugees.

The Guardian - Opinion

How? "By focusing on the important issues.

The Guardian

Let's start by focusing on our expectations.

The New York Times

"By focusing on these common elements, we've advanced our understanding".

The New York Times - Health

This can be achieved by focusing on four areas.

The Guardian - Opinion

Few talk about reining in costs by focusing on quality.

The New York Times

One is by focusing on the continuity of endless toil.

The Guardian

By focusing on encounters, Ox Travels has reinvigorated the form.

The Guardian - Books

So we started by focusing on what everyone agreed upon.

The Guardian

He does so by focusing on his failings.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "by focusing on" to clearly indicate the specific area or aspect that is being given primary attention or effort in order to achieve a desired outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "by focusing on" with overly broad or undefined subjects. Ensure the subject is specific and actionable for clear communication. For example, instead of "by focusing on improvement", specify "by focusing on improving customer service response times."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by focusing on" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces a gerund phrase, indicating the means or method through which an action is accomplished or a result is achieved. It commonly appears at the beginning of a sentence or clause to emphasize the specific area of concentration, as confirmed by Ludwig's AI response and various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "by focusing on" is a grammatically sound and versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate the method or means by which a specific outcome is achieved. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is prevalent in various contexts, especially in news media, formal business communications, and scientific writing. It allows writers to clearly articulate the specific area of concentration that leads to a desired result. To effectively use this phrase, ensure that the subject following "on" is specific and actionable. Alternatives include phrases such as "by concentrating on", "by emphasizing", or "with a focus on", depending on the desired nuance. With a very high frequency across reliable sources, "by focusing on" remains a valuable tool for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by concentrating on

Emphasizes a dedicated and sustained mental effort toward a specific point.

by emphasizing

Highlights the act of giving prominence to a particular aspect or element.

by prioritizing

Suggests arranging items or tasks in order of importance to guide action.

through concentration on

Indicates that progress or understanding is achieved through dedicated focus.

via a focus on

Implies that a specific outcome is reached through a channeled concentration.

by stressing

This alternative highlights the act of placing particular emphasis or importance on something, similar to emphasizing.

by targeting

Focuses on directing effort or resources toward a specific goal or demographic.

by spotlighting

Involves bringing specific attention to a particular subject or feature, often to showcase its importance.

with a focus on

It represents a state of concentrated attention on something.

through attention to

Suggests that progress is made by paying careful consideration to a particular detail.

FAQs

How can I use "by focusing on" in a sentence?

Use "by focusing on" to indicate where attention or effort is primarily directed to achieve a specific goal. For example, "The company increased profits "by focusing on customer retention"."

What are some alternatives to "by focusing on"?

Alternatives include phrases like "by concentrating on", "by emphasizing", or "with a focus on". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "by focusing on"?

Yes, "by focusing on" is grammatically correct. It functions as a prepositional phrase, typically followed by a noun or gerund phrase.

What's the difference between "by focusing on" and "focusing on"?

"By focusing on" indicates a means or method for achieving something, while "focusing on" simply describes the act of concentration. For example, "Progress was made "by focusing on key performance indicators"", versus "The team is focusing on key performance indicators".