focus of attention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "focus of attention" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a person or idea that is receiving a lot of attention at a particular time or in a particular situation. For example, "After the disaster last week, the mayor has become the focus of attention in the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But he will hardly be the sole focus of attention.

The New York Times

The focus of attention shifted.

The Guardian - Opinion

Too much focus of attention on me.

The New York Times

…limited focus of attention (the Blickpunkt).

Britannica

Objects stand alone, the singular focus of attention.

The New York Times - Style

The two comics were once again the focus of attention.

The Guardian

"The superintendent has become the focus of attention," he said.

The New York Times

The focus of attention was the specially built stage.

The New Yorker

But the individual is not the focus of attention.

The New York Times - Arts

This ought to be the focus of attention.

The Guardian

Arguably, more important ones should be the focus of attention.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "focus of attention" when you want to emphasize the primary subject or area that is currently being highlighted or observed. Ensure the context clearly indicates what or who is receiving the attention.

Common error

Avoid using "focus of attention" without clearly specifying what is receiving the attention. Ensure your sentence provides enough context, so the reader understands what the primary subject of interest is.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "focus of attention" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies what or who is receiving the most interest or scrutiny. Ludwig examples show it describing diverse subjects from people to concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "focus of attention" is a versatile noun phrase used to denote the primary subject of interest or scrutiny, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and sees frequent use across diverse contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific domains. While alternatives like "center of attention" and "main concern" exist, "focus of attention" maintains a neutral tone suitable for various registers. Remember to clearly specify what or who is receiving the attention to avoid ambiguity. It is important to highlight that this expression, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples, helps direct the audience's awareness to the most crucial element in any given scenario.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

center of attention

Emphasizes the central position or role of something or someone.

main concern

Highlights the primary issue or worry.

prime focus

Emphasizes the most important area of concentration.

chief interest

Highlights what is most interesting or captivating.

key area

Highlights the most important area of concentration.

principal object

Stresses the main thing being considered or targeted.

point of emphasis

Highlights where importance is placed.

matter of interest

Indicates something that attracts curiosity or attention.

target of consideration

Highlights something under evaluation or thought.

hot topic

Indicates a subject that is currently popular or controversial.

FAQs

How can I use "focus of attention" in a sentence?

You can use "focus of attention" to indicate the main subject being discussed or observed. For example, "After the presentation, the budget became the "focus of attention"".

What are some alternatives to "focus of attention"?

Alternatives include "center of attention", "main concern", or "prime focus", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use "focus of attention" or "focal point"?

"Focus of attention" typically refers to something that is receiving interest or scrutiny, while "focal point" usually refers to a visually prominent element. The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

How does the meaning of "focus of attention" differ from "point of emphasis"?

"Focus of attention" denotes what is primarily being noticed, whereas "point of emphasis" indicates where significance or importance is deliberately placed. The "point of emphasis" is a deliberate choice to highlight something, whereas "focus of attention" may arise organically.