focus instead on

USAGE SUMMARY

'focus instead on' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to compare two different things and emphasize that people should give more attention to one option. For example: "Instead of worrying about the outcome, focus instead on the steps you need to take for success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Let's focus instead on his math.

The New York Times

Focus instead on the photographs.

The New York Times

Let's focus instead on O'Brien's plight.

The New York Times

They focus instead on group plans.

The New York Times

Those officers will focus instead on tracking serious, violent offenders.

The New York Times

They decided to focus instead on the Eichmann affair.

The New York Times

– and focus instead on the language of law and order.

The New York Times

He wants to focus instead on treatment and prevention.

The Economist

Focus instead on how to relieve your customers' pain.

The New York Times

He kept his focus instead on President Obama.

The New York Times

To focus instead on long-term goals and meaningful rewards.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "focus instead on" to clearly redirect attention from a less important subject to a more pertinent one, ensuring your communication is targeted and effective.

Common error

Avoid using "focus instead on" when you actually need to address both subjects; the phrase implies a complete shift, not a balanced consideration. Make sure that shifting the focus makes sense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "focus instead on" functions as a directive, guiding the audience to shift their attention or emphasis from one subject to another. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, supported by numerous real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "focus instead on" is a versatile phrase used to redirect attention and emphasize a particular subject. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage across a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media. To use it effectively, remember that it implies a shift, not a shared attention. When choosing alternative expressions, consider the specific nuances each offers in directing attention or emphasizing importance. By understanding the phrase's function, purpose, and register, you can enhance the clarity and impact of your communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

emphasize instead on

Changes "focus" to "emphasize", highlighting the act of stressing importance rather than simply directing attention.

concentrate instead on

Replaces "focus" with "concentrate", suggesting a more intense and sustained effort of attention.

spotlight instead on

Uses "spotlight" to convey bringing something into prominence, altering the image to visually directing focus.

turn attention instead to

Emphasizes the act of redirecting attention, making the shift more explicit.

shift the focus to

Highlights the change in focus, suitable when the shift itself is the main point.

prioritize instead on

Substituting "focus" with "prioritize" to emphasize the importance of one over the other.

dedicate attention to

Focuses on allocating resources or effort to a specific area.

lean toward instead on

Suggests a preference or inclination towards one option, softening the direction of attention.

gravitate toward instead on

Implies a natural or inevitable shift in focus, often due to attraction or influence.

incline toward instead on

Shows a tendency to focus on something without completely abandoning the other.

FAQs

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

Use "focus instead on" to suggest a change in attention or emphasis. For example, "Instead of blaming others, "focus instead on" what you can do to improve the situation."

What are some alternatives to "focus instead on"?

Alternatives include "emphasize instead on", "concentrate instead on", or "turn attention instead to", each offering a slightly different nuance in directing attention.

Is it correct to say "focused instead on"?

Yes, "focused instead on" is the past tense form of the phrase. For example, "The study "focused instead on" the long-term effects of the treatment."

What's the difference between "focus instead on" and "focus only on"?

"Focus instead on" suggests shifting attention from one thing to another, while "focus only on" implies excluding all other considerations. The former allows for comparison, while the latter is more restrictive.