focus on an issue

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "focus on an issue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a specific topic or problem that requires attention or consideration. Example: "In our next meeting, we will focus on the issue of budget allocation for the upcoming project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

"They want to focus on an issue that is not the focus of this conference," he said.

The New York Times

Change happens because people focus on an issue, identify a wrong and then commit themselves to righting that wrong.

Columbia University

Yet again a powerful political lobby has decided to focus on an issue that will not solve the nation's most pressing problems.

The Guardian - Opinion

"He has shown that if you focus on an issue, and don't let yourself get diverted from it, or compromised, then government can really change".

The New York Times

Some conservatives, meanwhile, cheered the president for ramping up his focus on an issue that helped push him to victory in 2016.

The Washington Post

There have been other instances when an advocate on a television show turned around public policy almost immediately by concerted focus on an issue — but not recently, and in much different circumstances.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Unlike rumour or milling, it does not remain focused on an issue or problem.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Pope Francis is issuing an encyclical focusing on an issue of grand scope, the care of the planet.

The New York Times

Some said the Qaeda leader was simply focusing on an issue with broad popular resonance across the Muslim world.

The New York Times

"We talk about him reducing crime, but the real lesson is that he focused on an issue," Mr. Bloomberg said.

The New York Times

Hoping to attract Republican voters, Walker focused on an issue he had previously had success with: unions.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "focus on an issue", ensure the issue is clearly defined to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "focus on an issue" without specifying the issue clearly. For example, instead of saying "We need to focus on an issue", specify "We need to focus on the issue of climate change" to provide context and direction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "focus on an issue" functions as a directive, commonly used to indicate a specific area of attention or concern. As Ludwig AI indicates, this expression is grammatically correct and widely applicable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "focus on an issue" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to direct attention to a specific problem or subject. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in various writing contexts. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for diverse settings, from news media to academic research and formal business communications. To enhance clarity, it is recommended to clearly define the "issue" being addressed. Related phrases, such as "concentrate on a problem" or "address a concern", offer nuanced alternatives for specific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concentrate on a problem

Replaces "issue" with "problem", suggesting a negative situation is being addressed.

address a concern

Uses more formal vocabulary; "address" implies taking action while "concern" suggests something needing attention.

prioritize a subject

Emphasizes the importance of the subject over others.

highlight a matter

Shifts focus to bringing attention to the matter rather than actively working on it.

emphasize a point

Implies bringing attention to a specific point or argument rather than an entire issue.

target a subject

Suggests selecting something as the object of attention or attack.

zero in on a detail

Emphasizes precision and specificity in the focus.

center on a theme

Implies the theme is the core or basis of something.

dwell on a topic

Indicates extended or prolonged consideration.

obsess over a dilemma

Suggests an excessive or unhealthy level of focus.

FAQs

How can I use "focus on an issue" in a sentence?

You can use "focus on an issue" to direct attention to a specific problem or subject. For example, "The campaign aims to focus on the issue of poverty" or "The seminar will focus on an issue in healthcare."

What are some alternatives to "focus on an issue"?

Alternatives include "concentrate on a problem", "address a concern", or "prioritize a subject" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to "focus on an issue" or "focus on a solution"?

Whether to "focus on an issue" or "focus on a solution" depends on the stage of problem-solving. Initially, you might "focus on an issue" to understand it. Later, the emphasis may shift to "focus on a solution" to address it.

How does "focus on an issue" differ from "address an issue"?

"Focus on an issue" implies directing attention and resources towards understanding or discussing a problem. "Address an issue" suggests taking action to solve or mitigate the problem. The phrase "address a concern" emphasizes resolution more directly than "focus on an issue".