deflect focus from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "deflect focus from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of diverting attention away from a particular subject or issue. Example: "The politician tried to deflect focus from the scandal by highlighting his recent achievements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

And seeking to deflect focus from Russia on others.

The Guardian

Prime ministers of France are always the lightning rod for criticism, but this valiant attempt to deflect focus from the president, won't hide the real issue.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But she also noted that "with certain outlets and certain reporters it is an uphill battle" to deflect focus away from her and onto her film and its cast.

The New York Times

You would apparently go to any lengths to deflect the focus from the real issues, which discredit yourselves or your professional institutions.

The New Yorker

When pressed on how Bersih would respond if the government did not meet other demands, such as equal media access, before the next election, which must be held by mid-2013, Ms. Ambiga's tendency to deflect the focus from herself resurfaced.

The New York Times

Mr. Murdoch sought to deflect the panel's focus from himself and toward Mr. Myler and Mr. Crone.

The New York Times

It is clear that the "oiligopoly" and their allies such as the New York Times will do all they can to deflect our focus and confuse our goals to divest ourselves from our dependence on fossil fuels.

Huffington Post

In Istanbul, he was determined to let nothing deflect his focus.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I'm always trying to deflect your focus," she told Yvonne Rainer in a 1979 interview.

The New Yorker

The younger Trump apparently tried to deflect from Kimmel focusing his jokes on his father by bringing up the producer.

Huffington Post

The significance of argument-2 need not deflect one from a focus on argument-1 (on arguments in the premise-and-conclusion sense), but it does mean that one must pay close attention, in the course of analyzing and assessing instances of argument-1, to "argumentation" understood in the argument-2 sense.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "deflect focus from", ensure the alternative subject you're redirecting attention to is relevant to maintain credibility. Irrelevant diversions can be perceived as manipulative.

Common error

Avoid using excessive passive voice when employing "deflect focus from". Overuse can weaken the sentence and obscure who is performing the action of deflection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deflect focus from" functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of redirecting attention away from a particular subject. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is both correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "deflect focus from" is a verb phrase used to describe the act of redirecting attention away from a specific subject. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While its frequency is relatively rare, the phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, serving the purpose of strategically shifting attention, often in persuasive or strategic communications. When using the phrase, it's essential to maintain relevance in the redirected focus to avoid appearing manipulative. Alternative phrases like "divert attention from" or "shift the spotlight from" can also be employed to achieve a similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

divert attention from

This alternative focuses on redirecting attention, similar to the original phrase.

draw attention away from

This option emphasizes the act of pulling attention away, creating a distraction.

shift the spotlight from

This choice highlights the redirection of the main point of interest.

redirect attention from

This phrase conveys the action of guiding attention to a different subject.

take the heat off

This idiom suggests alleviating pressure or scrutiny from something.

draw focus away from

Emphasizes removing the central point of interest.

turn attention away from

This expresses a deliberate change in the direction of attention.

divert the spotlight

This option highlights the act of redirecting public or media attention.

deflect scrutiny from

This suggests avoiding detailed examination or criticism.

evade focus on

Emphasizes the act of escaping or avoiding direct focus.

FAQs

How can I use "deflect focus from" in a sentence?

You can use "deflect focus from" to describe an action taken to redirect attention away from an unwanted subject. For example: "The politician tried to deflect focus from the scandal by highlighting his recent achievements."

What is a synonym for "deflect focus from"?

Alternatives include "divert attention from", "shift the spotlight from", or "redirect attention from".

What's the difference between "deflect focus from" and "detract focus from"?

"Deflect focus from" implies a redirection of attention, whereas "detract focus from" suggests a lessening of attention on the original subject. Deflection is active redirection; detraction is passive reduction.

Is it appropriate to use "deflect focus from" in formal writing?

Yes, "deflect focus from" is suitable for formal writing, especially in analytical or journalistic contexts where objectivity is key. However, consider the tone of your piece and whether a more nuanced alternative like "redirect attention from" might be more fitting.