coming into focus

USAGE SUMMARY

"coming into focus" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe something that becomes clearer or more distinct as more information is known. For example: "As more information has come to light over the past few weeks, the truth of the situation is finally coming into focus."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Jason Giambi is coming into focus.

The New York Times - Sports

That vision is already coming into focus.

The New York Times - Science

A new force is now coming into focus.

The New York Times - Science

Birmingham's prospects, said Davies, were finally coming into focus.

Independent

Gradually, the terms of a deal are coming into focus.

The New York Times - Sports

The contours of a final agreement are coming into focus".

The New York Times

It was like a blurred scene coming into focus.

The New York Times - Food

The effect was a gradual coming into focus.

The New York Times - Arts

Ten years on, the long-term shape of Ground Zero is coming into focus.

The New Yorker

Slowly, the vision of beachgoers mingling in the salt spray is coming into focus.

The New York Times

But this summer, the vision for the "sixth borough" is finally coming into focus.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "coming into focus", ensure that the subject is something abstract, such as a plan, idea, or understanding, rather than a physical object or scene.

Common error

Avoid using "coming into focus" to describe physical objects or scenes becoming visually clearer. The phrase is best suited for abstract concepts. Instead of saying "The image was coming into focus", say "The details of the plan were coming into focus".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "coming into focus" functions as a phrasal verb, typically used in the continuous tense. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes an ongoing process of something becoming clearer or more distinct. It acts as a verbal phrase indicating a state of transition towards clarity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "coming into focus" is a versatile phrasal verb that signifies a gradual increase in clarity or understanding. As Ludwig AI points out, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. It finds frequent application across various domains, particularly in news and media and science, where it effectively describes the unfolding of complex situations or ideas. When employing the phrase, it's crucial to ensure that the subject is abstract and that the context aligns with a process of clarification. Alternatives such as "becoming clear" or "taking shape" can be used to add nuance to the expression, as suggested by Ludwig's examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

becoming clear

Focuses on the state of clarity being achieved.

gaining clarity

Focuses on the process of acquiring understanding.

becoming understood

Emphasizes the comprehension of something.

taking shape

Emphasizes the formation or development of something.

becoming apparent

Highlights the obviousness of something that was previously unclear.

becoming distinct

Highlights the increasing definition or separateness of something.

crystallizing

Suggests a more precise and defined clarity.

emerging

Indicates a gradual appearance or development.

unfolding

Implies a process of revelation or gradual understanding.

resolving itself

Suggests that a situation is clarifying without external intervention.

FAQs

How can I use "coming into focus" in a sentence?

You can use "coming into focus" to describe situations where something gradually becomes clearer or more understandable. For instance, "The details of the investigation are "coming into focus" as more evidence is uncovered".

What are some alternatives to "coming into focus"?

Alternatives to "coming into focus" include "becoming clear", "taking shape", or "becoming apparent". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "come into focus" instead of "coming into focus"?

"Come into focus" is the base verb form, while "coming into focus" is the present participle form, often used in continuous tenses. You might say "The plan will come into focus soon", or "The plan is "coming into focus" now".

What's the difference between "coming into focus" and "in focus"?

"Coming into focus" describes a process of clarification, whereas "in focus" describes a state of being clear or well-defined. For example, "The problem is "coming into focus"" suggests that understanding is improving, while "The problem is now in focus" suggests that it is already clearly understood.