focus efforts on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'focus efforts on' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to directing attention or energy to a certain goal. For example: Our department has decided to focus our efforts on expanding our product offerings.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Yet Semicaps is now selling high-tech equipment to established companies in the U.S. What is important is to focus efforts on one's core competency".  .

Science Magazine

That may focus efforts on those early hints, opening the possibility to solve one of physics' greatest mysteries.

BBC

Of course, one business cannot save the world but should focus efforts on where they can create shared value.

Huffington Post

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

Choosing the right targets will be essential to measure progress and focus efforts on where they will have the most impact.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the subject performing the action aligns logically with the object of the effort. For example, "The team should focus efforts on marketing" is more logical than "The budget should focus efforts on marketing."

Common error

Avoid using "focus efforts on" when a simpler verb like "concentrate" or "prioritize" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound verbose and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "focus efforts on" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the act of directing attention and resources toward a specific objective. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

42%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "focus efforts on" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for directing attention and resources. As Ludwig AI points out, it's widely accepted in written English and especially prevalent in news, scientific, and formal business contexts. When using this phrase, be sure to specify the target of the efforts for clarity. While versatile, avoid overuse to maintain impact and precision in your writing. Consider alternatives like "concentrate efforts on" or "direct attention to" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concentrate efforts on

This alternative uses "concentrate" instead of "focus", suggesting a more intensive and sustained application of effort.

direct attention to

This phrase is more general and emphasizes the act of pointing attention, rather than necessarily applying effort.

dedicate resources to

This alternative conveys a sense of commitment and investment in a particular area.

channel resources toward

This alternative emphasizes the allocation of resources, suggesting a more strategic and planned approach.

target resources at

This alternative conveys a sense of aiming or directing resources with precision.

devote time to

This phrase emphasizes the allocation of time, a limited and valuable resource.

assign priority to

This alternative denotes giving precedence to something in terms of resources or attention.

prioritize actions for

This phrase highlights the act of ranking actions in order of importance, implying a selection process.

invest energy in

This phrase highlights the commitment of energy, suggesting a more active and dynamic application of effort.

emphasize the importance of

This phrase shifts the focus to highlighting the significance of something, rather than necessarily applying effort directly.

FAQs

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

You can use "focus efforts on" to indicate where attention and resources should be directed. For example, "The company should "focus efforts on" improving customer service".

What can I say instead of "focus efforts on"?

You can use alternatives like "concentrate efforts on", "direct attention to", or "channel resources toward" depending on the context.

Is "focus efforts on" too formal for casual writing?

While "focus efforts on" is suitable for professional and formal contexts, simpler alternatives like "concentrate on" or "work on" might be more appropriate for casual writing.

What's the difference between "focus efforts on" and "devote time to"?

"Focus efforts on" generally refers to strategically directing resources, while "devote time to" specifically emphasizes allocating time, a crucial resource, to a particular task or goal.