focus on details

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "focus on details" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation in which a person or group of people are paying close attention to fine details. For example, "In order to make sure their presentation was perfect, the team decided to focus on details."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Christopher Young, the studio's technical director, said the classes would be shot with four cameras: one concentrated solely on Mr. Cunningham, one giving a wide-angle view of the classroom, one spotlighting a specific dancer per class, and one from a static side angle to focus on details like feet.

The New York Times - Arts

BUT admittedly, it was hard to focus on details.

The New York Times

Photos that focus on details can be intriguing and fun.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"I'm going to focus on details and the attention to them," Fassel said.

The New York Times - Sports

Many of his observations focus on details of local architecture, from humble huts to magnificent temples.

The New York Times

"You look at things differently: focus on details and try to do them well, stay consistent.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

"Last year, we lost a couple of close ones on the road, but at the same time our focus on detail has to get better," Hill said.

The New York Times - Sports

In Germany, meanwhile, Opel engineers became convinced that Fiat didn't share its focus on detail or quality standards.

The New York Times

The website's design needs to grow organically and this requires research, planning and focus on detail.

The Guardian

'That strict focus on detail benefits more elaborate dishes.

BBC

The polish, fit, and finish shows a meticulous focus on detail and I expect Workday customers will be very excited.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When proofreading, actively "focus on details" such as punctuation, spelling, and formatting to ensure a polished final product.

Common error

Avoid letting a strong "focus on details" overshadow the broader objectives. Maintain perspective to prevent minor issues from derailing the overall goal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "focus on details" functions as a verb phrase, often used within a sentence to indicate the act of paying close attention to specific aspects or elements. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

23%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "focus on details" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that emphasizes careful and precise attention to specific elements. As Ludwig AI explains, its function is to direct attention towards accuracy and thoroughness, making it valuable across various contexts. Its neutral register allows for versatile usage in professional, academic, and everyday settings. The phrase is particularly common in "news and media", "academia", and "science", highlighting its importance in conveying precision and thoroughness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pay attention to the fine points

Replaces "details" with "fine points", emphasizing subtlety and precision.

emphasize details

Shifts from focusing to actively highlighting details, suggesting a more pronounced attention.

mind the details

An imperative indicating that details are carefully and precisely regarded.

concentrate on the specifics

Replaces "details" with "specifics", indicating a narrower scope of attention.

delve into specifics

Suggests a thorough and in-depth examination of the details.

zero in on particularities

Uses more technical language, implying precise and targeted focus.

home in on the nuances

Implies focusing on subtle differences and variations.

scrutinize the particulars

Implies a careful and critical examination of the details.

obsess over details

Suggests an excessive or unhealthy level of attention to details.

major on the minors

Implies that a lot of time is spent on small details. It's an idiomatic expression with a slightly negative connotation.

FAQs

How can I incorporate "focus on details" into my daily work routine?

You can incorporate "focus on details" by setting aside dedicated time for meticulous tasks, using checklists to ensure thoroughness, and practicing active listening to capture nuances in communication.

What are some professions where it's crucial to "focus on details"?

Professions such as accounting, editing, surgery, software engineering, and quality assurance all require a strong "focus on details" to avoid errors and ensure accuracy.

Which is a better phrase to use, "focus on detail" or "focus on details"?

While both are understandable, "focus on details" is generally preferred as it implies attention to multiple specific elements. "Focus on detail" can work when referring to a single, overarching detail.

What can I say instead of "focus on details" to sound more formal?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "emphasize details", "concentrate on the specifics", or "pay attention to the fine points".