by focussing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "by focussing" is correct and usable in written English, although "focussing" is a less common spelling; "focusing" is more widely accepted.
You can use it when discussing the act of concentrating attention or effort on a particular subject or task. Example: "By focussing on the key issues, we can develop a more effective strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Lasers work by focussing sound waves.

The Guardian

Marissa, by focussing on the users, made it externally focused.

The Guardian - Tech

I figured I'd start by focussing on practice.

The New Yorker

So let's start by focussing on the seven who need to graduate.

The New Yorker

The Democrats, he said, would serve themselves better by focussing less on Bush's problems.

The New Yorker

By focussing on the moment of creation, Fincher and Sorkin are getting at something new.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

We should begin by focusing on refugees.

The Guardian - Opinion

How? "By focusing on the important issues.

The Guardian

"They have to upskill themselves by focusing better.

The Guardian - Sport

This can be achieved by focusing on four areas.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is restored by focused and effective and energetic government".

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "by focussing" with stronger verbs like 'prioritizing' or 'targeting' if the context requires more direct and active language.

Common error

Avoid using "by focussing" in overly broad or vague contexts. Instead of saying "by focussing on improvement", specify the area or aspect to be improved. Example: "By focussing on reducing operational costs, the company increased its profitability."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "by focussing" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the method or means by which an action is performed. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is grammatically correct and specifies how something is achieved.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "by focussing" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate the method of achieving a particular outcome. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's widely used in various contexts, including news, science, and formal business settings. While “focussing” is a correct spelling, "focusing" is more common. When using "by focussing", it's essential to specify a clear object of attention and consider stronger alternatives like "targeting" for more directness. Common mistakes include using it in overly broad contexts. By avoiding vague references, and "by concentrating on" clear specification, the phrase can effectively communicate a strategic approach or method.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by concentrating on

Emphasizes mental effort and direction of thought.

by focusing attention on

Explicitly mentions directing one's awareness.

by targeting

Implies aiming efforts toward a specific goal.

by directing efforts towards

Focuses on the application of energy and resources.

through emphasizing

Highlights the importance of a particular aspect.

via prioritizing

Suggests arranging items in order of importance.

by spotlighting

Emphasizes making something more visible or prominent.

in virtue of highlighting

Stresses something that is noticed more.

by giving prominence to

Suggests making something stand out.

by earmarking

Specifies allocating something for a certain purpose.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "by focussing"?

Alternatives include "by concentrating", "by emphasizing", or "by targeting", which can add more nuance depending on the context.

Is "focussing" or "focusing" the correct spelling?

"Focusing" is the more common and widely accepted spelling in American English. "Focussing" is also correct, but it is less frequently used.

How can I use "by focussing" effectively in a sentence?

Ensure that the sentence clearly indicates what action is being taken and on what the focus is being placed. For instance, "The team improved its efficiency "by concentrating on" key performance indicators."

What's the difference between "by focussing" and "in focusing"?

"By focussing" indicates a method or means of achieving something, while "in focusing" describes the act or process of focusing itself. "By focussing" is generally used to specify a strategy or approach.