focus back on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "focus back on" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiomatic phrase that is usually used to indicate that the speaker or writer is returning to a previous topic that had been discussed. For example, "We have discussed ways to improve customer service. Now let's focus back on our marketing strategy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I focus back on the TV.

The New York Times

They turn the focus back on journalists.

The Washington Post

"It's to recast the focus back on Hillary".

The New Yorker

Now let's get the focus back on the games.

The New York Times - Sports

The spot closes with the focus back on Mr. Edwards.

The New York Times

Mr Nel tried to turn the focus back on to the seriousness of the charges.

Independent

"It was very simple," said McCall, explaining how she put the focus back on customers.

Independent

"We have to put the focus back on the kids," he said.

The New York Times

This de-emphasis on technology throws the focus back on people.

The New Yorker

Health care companies are using digital tools to put doctors' focus back on patients.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"I want to get the focus back on the field," Selig said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "focus back on" when you want to explicitly signal a return to a previous subject after a detour or digression, ensuring clarity and coherence in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "focus back on" when there hasn't been a clear deviation from the original topic. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less concise. Use direct transitions when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "focus back on" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating a deliberate redirection of attention to a previously discussed subject. It suggests a return to an earlier point of concentration, often after a digression or temporary shift in emphasis. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of the phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "focus back on" is a versatile phrasal verb used to signal a return to a previous subject, ensuring clarity and coherence in communication. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts. As evidenced by Ludwig examples, it's prevalent in news, science, and academic writing, with a neutral register suitable for professional communication. While effective, it should be used judiciously to avoid redundancy and maintain concise writing. Alternatives like "recenter attention on" or "redirect focus to" can offer stylistic variation. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can effectively use "focus back on" to guide their audience and maintain concentration on the core subject matter.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

recenter attention on

Implies a deliberate effort to bring the main point into central focus again.

redirect focus to

Suggests a change in the direction of attention, often from one subject to another.

return attention to

Emphasizes a cyclical movement, suggesting attention was previously directed elsewhere.

shift the focus back to

Highlights the act of moving the point of concentration from a secondary topic.

re-emphasize

Stresses the act of highlighting a point that had been previously diminished.

revisit the topic of

Indicates a return to a previously discussed subject for further consideration.

turn the spotlight back on

Uses a metaphorical image to indicate renewed public or specific attention.

get back to the point of

Implies a return to the essential matter after a digression.

concentrate again on

Suggests renewing effort on the same topic after some distraction.

zero in on again

This expression emphasizes a precise and sharp return to a particular point or detail.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "focus back on" in a sentence?

Use "focus back on" to signal a deliberate return to a topic after addressing related but divergent points. For example, "After discussing the budget overruns, let's "focus back on" the initial project goals".

What phrases can I use instead of "focus back on" to avoid repetition?

Alternatives include "recenter attention on", "redirect focus to", or "return attention to", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is it grammatically correct to say "focus back onto"?

While "focus back on" is the more common and generally preferred phrasing, "focus back onto" is not grammatically incorrect, but it's less frequently used and can sometimes sound awkward. Stick to "focus back on" for clarity.

How does "focus back on" differ from simply saying "focus on"?

"Focus on" introduces a topic, while "focus back on" implies a conscious return to a subject after a deviation. The latter emphasizes that the topic was previously under consideration.