focus efforts

USAGE SUMMARY

"focus efforts" is correct and usable in written English, and is typically used to mean that someone is actively putting effort into something.
Example: The team has been asked to focus their efforts on completing the project by the end of the month.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The researcher say the results can be used to focus efforts to help bees better.

The Guardian

We've put expansion plans to the UK on hold indefinitely and will focus efforts elsewhere".

The Guardian

One problem has been that it sets targets which focus efforts in the wrong places.

The Economist

But she said the goal remained the same: to focus efforts on "high impact prevention" practices.

The New York Times

Others, believe that people should continue to focus efforts on institutions like banks rather than either of the two parties.

The Guardian - Opinion

We encourage Israelis and Palestinians to focus efforts on negotiation and to engage urgently in US-backed proximity talks".

The Guardian

"Instead of having a scattered benefit to all developing countries, we want to focus efforts on the most needy countries".

The New York Times

Ranieri has done his best to focus efforts on Leicester reaching the supposed Premier League safety mark of 40 points.

Independent

It is also asking development agencies like the Asian Development Bank, the World Bank and the Official Development Assistance program of Japan to focus efforts on China's west.

The New York Times

Because people are not infectious until they become obviously ill, it should in theory be possible to focus efforts on the community where the outbreak began.

The Guardian

The researchers suggest that this idea could be helpful in devising strategies to control nitrogen runoff, particularly in deciding on which watersheds to focus efforts.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "focus efforts", ensure that the object of the efforts is clearly stated to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of just saying "we need to focus efforts", specify "we need to focus efforts on improving customer satisfaction".

Common error

Avoid using "focus efforts" without a clear and measurable objective. Unclear objectives lead to diluted efforts and minimal impact. Always define specific, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "focus efforts" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the act of directing attention, resources, or energy toward a particular goal or objective. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "focus efforts" is a versatile and widely used verb phrase that describes the act of concentrating resources or attention on a specific goal. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts. While the phrase enjoys broad applicability, best practice dictates that you use it with a clear objective in mind. Related phrases include ""concentrate efforts"", "direct efforts", and "channel efforts", each with slightly different shades of meaning. Given its widespread use, understanding how to effectively employ "focus efforts" enhances clarity and impact in both writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concentrate efforts

Indicates a gathering of efforts, emphasizing the consolidation of actions toward a common goal.

direct efforts

Highlights the act of guiding efforts in a specific direction, offering a nuanced emphasis on control.

channel efforts

Suggests a strategic redirection of energy towards a defined purpose, implying efficiency in resource allocation.

dedicate resources

Emphasizes the commitment of assets, reflecting a formal investment toward achieving particular aims.

prioritize actions

Involves ranking actions by importance, signifying a decision to concentrate on key activities.

target interventions

Implies a specific and precise approach to making improvements, underscoring the strategy of targeted actions.

streamline operations

Highlights the simplification and optimization of processes to better align with specific goals.

zero in on

Emphasizes the act of sharply focusing attention, suggesting an approach to concentrate on select issues.

sharpen the focus

Involves refining attention to specifics, indicating that the focus may have already been present, but not acute.

invest energy

Suggests the infusion of vitality and power into endeavors, underlining the commitment of personal or group dynamism.

FAQs

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

You can use "focus efforts" to describe directing resources or attention toward a specific goal. For example, "The company will "concentrate efforts" on developing new products this quarter."

What's a more formal alternative to "focus efforts"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "dedicate resources" or "prioritize actions" to convey a similar meaning with a heightened sense of seriousness and commitment.

What is the difference between "focus efforts" and "concentrate efforts"?

While similar, "focus efforts" generally means to direct attention or resources, while ""concentrate efforts"" implies bringing efforts together into a single point or action.

Is it better to "focus efforts" or "focus on" something?

Both are correct, but "focus efforts" usually emphasizes the action of directing resources or attention, whereas "focus on" emphasizes the object of that attention. The best choice depends on whether you want to highlight the action or the object.