can be focused on

USAGE SUMMARY

"can be focused on" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means that something can be given attention or concentrated on. Example: "In order to improve productivity, different areas of the company can be focused on, such as streamlining processes and providing employee training."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Firms can be focused on one task – Abstract, Manual or Routine – on a combination of tasks, or none.

Research Policy

Subsequent assessments, as well as educational content, can be focused on one or more areas of the AADE7™, depending on the individual's existing goals.

Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity: Targets and Therapy

Hopefully, I can be in a situation that's going to be stable and one that can be focused on winning".

The New York Times - Sports

These fearful responses can be focused on a specific object, like a dog because one previously bit me.

HuffPost

The shorter the wavelength, the smaller the point the laser beam can be focused on.

The Economist

Therefore, more attention can be focused on the physical nature of problems.

Journal of Computational Physics

Blue light's shorter wavelength means it can be focused on smaller objects.

The Guardian - Tech

And since the world can be focused on you, and fascinated, maybe it seems safer to say nothing.

The New Yorker

The upside of the withdrawal is that production expenses can be focused on filmmaking rather than hoopla.

The New York Times

Not all the blame can be focused on Beltran, who drove in the Mets' only run Monday, and Castillo.

The New York Times - Sports

The LSA leads to multiple focal lengths, such that several wavelengths can be focused on the retina.

Vision Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be focused on", ensure the subject receiving the focus is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "efforts can be focused on improvement", specify "efforts can be focused on improving efficiency in the manufacturing process".

Common error

Overusing passive voice can make your writing sound weak. While "can be focused on" is grammatically correct, consider using active voice for a more direct and impactful statement. For instance, instead of "the research can be focused on genetics", try "researchers can focus on genetics".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be focused on" functions as a passive verb phrase indicating the potential or possibility of directing attention or resources towards a specific subject. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "can be focused on" is a versatile passive verb phrase used to suggest directing attention or resources. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and common across various contexts. While it's suitable for neutral and formal registers, writers should be mindful of potentially weakening their writing through overuse of passive voice, instead opting for active voice constructs where appropriate. Remember to clearly define the subject receiving focus. The most authoritative sources for this phrase are The New York Times, The Economist, Forbes, HuffPost, and ScienceDirect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be centered on

Replaces "focused" with "centered", implying a similar concentration of attention or effort.

can be directed towards

Substitutes "focused" with "directed", suggesting a guided or aimed approach.

can be geared towards

Replaces "focused" with "geared", implying adaptation or alignment for a specific purpose.

can be aimed at

Similar to "directed towards", emphasizing the intention to achieve something.

can be concentrated on

Uses "concentrated" for "focused", highlighting the intensity of attention.

can prioritize

Changes the structure to an active voice, indicating a selection of importance.

can emphasize

Shifts the meaning to highlighting or stressing a particular aspect.

can highlight

Similar to "emphasize", indicating an effort to make something more noticeable.

can address

Suggests dealing with or tackling a specific issue.

attention can be given to

Restructures the sentence to highlight where attention is allocated.

FAQs

How do I use "can be focused on" in a sentence?

Use "can be focused on" to indicate where attention or effort should be directed. For example, "The budget "can be focused on" essential services".

What are some alternatives to "can be focused on"?

Alternatives include "can be centered on", "can be directed towards", or "can prioritize", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use the active or passive voice with "can be focused on"?

While "can be focused on" is grammatically correct, using the active voice (e.g., "we can focus on") can often make your writing more direct and impactful.

What does "can be focused on" mean?

"Can be focused on" means that attention, resources, or efforts "can be directed towards" a specific area or goal.