focus on one thing

USAGE SUMMARY

"focus on one thing" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to express the idea of concentrating on a particular matter. For example, "We need to focus on one thing at a time if we hope to finish this project by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Just focus on one thing.

The Guardian - Tech

Companies that focus on one thing grow faster.

The Guardian

"Focus on one thing and do it extremely well.

The Guardian - Tech

"I focus on one thing, and that's the team".

The New York Times - Sports

But it's not in her makeup to focus on one thing.

The Guardian

Zenhabits.net advised me to "focus on one thing at a time".

The New York Times

No wonder the Zen approach is to focus on one thing at a time.

The New York Times

"Men needed to focus on one thing when they were fighting each other for mates.

The New York Times

Ms. Gooch said that the demand to focus on one thing was a useful experience.

The New York Times

But kids tend to focus on one thing, and for me it was violin.

The New York Times - Arts

Theatre is similar: a chance to stop everything else and focus on one thing.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In creative projects, "focus on one thing", such as a central theme or message, to maintain clarity and coherence.

Common error

While it's important to "focus on one thing" at a time, don't become so fixated that you miss important contextual details or opportunities. A balanced perspective is key.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "focus on one thing" primarily functions as an imperative, urging or advising someone to concentrate their attention on a single task, goal, or aspect. Ludwig provides many examples where the phrase is used to offer guidance or suggest a course of action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

12%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "focus on one thing" is a common and grammatically correct way to advise concentration on a single task, as supported by Ludwig AI. It is frequently used in News & Media contexts and is generally considered to have a neutral register. The primary function is to offer guidance. To enhance writing, remember the importance of balance. While prioritizing a single focus is valuable, over-fixation should be avoided. For alternative phrasing, consider "concentrate on a single task" or "prioritize a specific item".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

concentrate on a single task

This alternative is a more formal and direct way of saying to focus, using "concentrate" instead.

prioritize a specific item

This alternative highlights the act of giving precedence to one particular thing over others.

dedicate yourself to one objective

This alternative implies a strong commitment and devotion to a singular goal.

zero in on one aspect

This alternative suggests a precise and targeted focus, like adjusting sights on a target.

keep your eye on the ball

This idiom means to stay focused on the primary goal or task at hand.

stick to one subject

This alternative refers to maintaining focus within a specific topic or area of discussion.

channel your energy into one area

This alternative emphasizes directing effort and resources towards a single focus.

give something your undivided attention

This alternative suggests offering complete and exclusive focus to a particular thing.

be absorbed in one activity

This alternative emphasizes the state of being fully engaged and immersed in a single activity.

limit your scope to one area

This alternative suggests restricting the range of focus to a specific domain or field.

FAQs

How can I use "focus on one thing" in a sentence?

You can use "focus on one thing" to advise prioritizing tasks or ideas, such as: "To be more productive, try to "focus on one thing" at a time."

What are some alternatives to "focus on one thing"?

Some alternatives include "concentrate on a single task", "prioritize a specific item", or "dedicate yourself to one objective", depending on the context.

Is it always better to "focus on one thing"?

While focusing on one thing can improve efficiency, multitasking might be necessary in certain situations. The key is to balance focus with adaptability.

What's the difference between "focus on one thing" and "multitask"?

"Focus on one thing" means concentrating on a single task at a time, while multitasking involves attempting to do multiple things simultaneously. The former often leads to better quality work and reduced stress.