failed to focus

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "failed to focus" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a lack of concentration or attention on a particular task or subject. Example: "During the meeting, I realized that I failed to focus on the key points being discussed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The app failed to focus.

The New York Times - Tech

"The President failed to focus on the economy.

The New Yorker

But in their zeal to close the deal, the companies failed to focus on numerous ambiguities.

Harvard University

Like many governments before it, the coalition has failed to focus properly on the dynamics of the second chamber.

The Guardian

I found it routinely failed to focus correctly, producing images that were not as sharp as I would have liked.

The Guardian - Tech

They agreed that HSBC's branches failed to focus enough on the special demands of local markets and clients.

The New York Times

Even high-profile cyber-attacks, such as those against Sony and Ashley Madison, have failed to focus minds.

The Guardian

According to McBride, his boss was wildly intolerant of BBC interviewers, whom he felt failed to focus on the most important issues.

The Guardian

To her dismay, she says, she encountered a cumbersome research system fraught with obstacles to collaboration and progress -- one that failed to focus on patient needs.

The New York Times

When I failed to focus, he drew diagrams of my head, mostly empty, with a pea-size brain rattling around inside.

The New Yorker

David Brooks (column, Sept. 27) points to a sad truth: universities have failed to focus the lens on their own practices in ensuring a diversity of political ideas.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "failed to focus", ensure the context clearly indicates what the subject should have been focusing on. Providing specific details strengthens the statement and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "failed to focus" when the inability to concentrate stems from external factors beyond one's control. Instead, acknowledge those external distractions to provide a more accurate and nuanced explanation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "failed to focus" functions as a verb phrase, typically used within a clause to indicate a lack of concentration or attention. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is correct and widely used. Examples show it describing individuals, organizations, or even camera apps that did not maintain appropriate focus.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

20%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "failed to focus" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to describe a lack of concentration or attention. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's applicable in various contexts, particularly within news, academic, and scientific writing. While alternatives like "could not concentrate" or "was unable to focus" exist, "failed to focus" often implies a more critical assessment of the situation. To use it effectively, ensure clarity regarding what should have been the focal point and avoid attributing failure when external factors are the primary cause. Remember to use the phrase in lowercase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could not concentrate

Replaces "failed" with "could not", emphasizing an inability rather than a failure.

was unable to focus

Similar to "could not concentrate", this phrase highlights the lack of ability to focus.

did not concentrate

A more direct and simpler alternative to "failed to focus".

lost concentration

Indicates a state of having previously focused but then losing that focus.

lacked focus

Emphasizes the absence of focus as a characteristic or state.

was distracted

Suggests an external cause for the inability to focus, rather than an internal one.

did not pay attention

Implies a lack of attentiveness or deliberate disregard for the subject at hand.

neglected to focus

Indicates an oversight or omission in focusing on something.

overlooked

Suggests a failure to notice or consider something important.

missed the point

Focuses on the outcome of not focusing, i.e., failing to understand the essential information.

FAQs

How can I use "failed to focus" in a sentence?

You can use "failed to focus" to describe a situation where someone was unable to concentrate on something. For example, "The student "failed to focus" during the lecture because they were tired."

What are some alternatives to "failed to focus"?

Alternatives include phrases like "could not concentrate", "was unable to focus", or "lost concentration", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "failed to focus" or "did not focus"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but ""failed to focus"" often implies a higher expectation or need for concentration that was not met. "Did not focus" is a more neutral statement.

What's the difference between "failed to focus" and "lacked focus"?

"Failed to focus" describes a specific instance where someone couldn't concentrate, while "lacked focus" suggests a more general or ongoing deficiency in the ability to concentrate.