dogged focus

USAGE SUMMARY

"dogged focus" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone whose attention and dedication to a task or goal is persistent and unyielding. Example: Her dogged focus on achieving her career goals has helped her ascend to the top of her field.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

But this dogged focus on male sexual selection is out of date, suggests Hawkes.

The Guardian

Mr. Greenberg's dogged focus shows as much about his ambitions as about his determination to leave behind what many analysts see as a nagging past.

The New York Times

Even some of Mr. Levy's strongest supporters disapprove of his dogged focus on school financing, saying it makes the chancellor look like he is ducking responsibility for the system's educational failings.

The New York Times

"Even though we know there are narcotics traffickers tied to power in other countries, you don't see that same level of dogged focus [from the DEA]," said Christopher Sabatini, a professor of international affairs at Columbia University.

The Guardian

Promising to "stop the gravy train" of government spending and put an end to what he called "the war on the car", his dogged focus on slashing spending was epitomised by his stubborn refusal to use a chauffeur, rack up office expenses or accept a security detail.

The Guardian

And yet a dogged focus on "commodity commerce" may prove to be short-sighted.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"John' s style is dogged and focused," Mr. Clark said.

The New York Times

Proclivity, motivation, adeptness, clever justifications for bending and breaking the rules are evil twins of the much sought-after attributions, such as competitiveness, ingenuity, confidence, optimism, intensity, focus and dogged perseverance.

Forbes

HCHP leaders, however through intense, focused, and dogged day-to-day involvement with their people and operations manage to hold the center.

Harvard Business Review

Ten Palestinians were killed over the weekend in Gaza, where the army is in six PA areas.The Israelis and the Palestinians both say they find Mr Zinni more focused and dogged than he was during his first, abortive mission late last year.

The Economist

One Israeli officer was killed, along with the two gunmen themselves.The Israelis and the Palestinians both say they find Mr Zinni more focused and dogged than he was during his first, abortive mission late last year.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dogged focus", ensure the context clearly indicates a positive attribute of persistent dedication, rather than a negative connotation of being overly stubborn or narrow-minded.

Common error

Avoid using "dogged focus" when the situation requires flexibility or adaptability. The term implies a strong, almost unwavering, commitment, which may not always be appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dogged focus" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where "dogged" is an adjective modifying the noun "focus". Ludwig confirms that it's correct and usable. It serves to describe a particular quality or characteristic.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dogged focus" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that signifies persistent and unwavering attention to a specific goal. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's particularly useful for describing someone's determination and dedication. While most frequently found in news and media contexts, it also appears in formal business settings. Alternative phrases like "persistent focus" and "relentless focus" offer similar meanings, and it's crucial to use "dogged focus" in contexts where this unwavering commitment is viewed positively and doesn't imply inflexibility. The phrase is a valuable tool for conveying strong determination and resolve in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

persistent focus

This alternative highlights the continuous and unwavering nature of the focus.

relentless focus

This alternative emphasizes the intensity and unyielding quality of the focus.

stubborn focus

This alternative suggests a firm and unwavering focus, potentially bordering on obstinacy.

tenacious focus

This alternative underscores the determination and persistence in maintaining focus despite challenges.

resolute focus

This alternative conveys a firm and determined focus, indicating a clear decision and commitment.

single minded focus

This alternative indicates a focus directed towards one particular aim.

steadfast focus

This alternative suggests a consistent and unwavering focus, implying reliability and determination.

dogged attentiveness

This alternative combines the persistence of "dogged" with a high degree of attention.

dogged emphasis

This alternative shifts the focus from general attention to a particular point or aspect being emphasized.

fierce focus

This alternative implies a very strong, almost aggressive, level of concentration.

FAQs

How can I use "dogged focus" in a sentence?

You can use "dogged focus" to describe someone's persistent and determined attention to a specific task or goal. For example: "Her dogged focus on achieving her career goals helped her reach the top."

What phrases are similar to "dogged focus"?

Similar phrases include "persistent focus", "relentless focus", and "tenacious focus". Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect of unwavering attention.

Is "dogged focus" a positive or negative trait?

Generally, "dogged focus" is viewed as a positive trait, highlighting determination and perseverance. However, it can have negative connotations if it implies inflexibility or an unwillingness to consider alternative approaches.

Can "dogged focus" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "dogged focus" is appropriate for formal writing. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in various contexts, including professional and academic settings.